HST safety considerations following previous accidents
Within the last 20 years, the only major accident involving a High Speed Train took place at Ufton Nervet, in Berkshire, when a suicidal van driver parked on the level crossing and was hit by First Great Western’s 1735 London Paddington-Plymouth on November 6 2004 ( RAIL 501).
Seven people, including the train’s driver, died in the incident, which left the Mk 3 trailer coaches of the HST scattered across the track beyond the crossing. Investigations into the accident called for research into whether trains should be fitted with seatbelts and laminated windows (to prevent passengers being thrown from trains), and whether bogies should have retention straps to keep them in position. Research also looked at fitting obstacle deflectors to HST power cars, but found insufficient benefits to justify the costs.
That research led to a decision not to fit seatbelts, and to improve window design to prevent passenger ejection and to make them easier to break and escape through after an accident. Mk 3 trailers were not fitted with bogie retention straps.
Seat belt research concluded that a two-point belt (as used on planes) would usually increase passenger injuries, while threepoint belts (as used in cars) would decrease them. However, threepoint belts required seat backs to be strengthened and this would increase injuries to unrestrained passengers (those standing or walking along a carriage).
In an earlier accident at Ladbroke Grove (October 5 1999, RAIL 368), an HST and Class
165 collided at high-speed and a fire resulted, fuelled by the diesel tanks under the leading
HST power car. This prompted research which suggested a dozen possible mitigations, including fuel additives, tank lining and honeycomb inserts. None were found viable for retrofitting to existing stock.
This accident prompted a public inquiry chaired by Lord Cullen. He heard evidence that two changes should be considered for HSTs - one concerned bogie retention, while the other looked at “the enhancement of the cab to improve driver protection”.
Research looked at improvements such as seatbelts and airbags but concluded that none were cost-effective to fit to older trains.