Problems flagged up in report 6 years ago
FEARS over how Network Rail deals with landslips on Scotland’s railways were revealed in a damning report six years ago.
It followed a series of incidents at locations including Loch Treig, near Tulloch in the west Highlands, and the Falls of Cruachan on the Oban line.
The Rail Accident Investigation report said: “Landslips were caused by factors including heavy rain, absent or ineffective drainage and activities undertaken, or not undertaken, on neighbouring land.
“In several instances, trains were being operated without special precautions when there was a significant risk of encountering a landslip.”
It concluded: “There is a lack of clarity about who should be carrying out visual checks for risks, which can develop on neighbouring land between examinations and take place at intervals of up to 10 years. The mandated process for collecting information about neighbouring land is, in parts, difficult to implement and not usually followed.”
It warned: ”The location and timing of landslips is difficult to predict but they are almost always triggered by relatively high rainfall.”
An incident at Loch Treig, in June 2012, saw a locomotive and five wagons derailed. Three wagons overturned and the cab ran down an embankment after it hit a landslip. No one was injured but a ScotRail
BY SHAUN MILNE passenger train passed the same point 43 minutes earlier. Rainfall on the slopes was cited as the likely cause.
The next month, a Oban to Glasgow train hit a landslip at the Falls of Cruachan.
The report said: “If the train had been derailed by the landslip debris, it is possible it would have fallen down an adjacent slope.”
About 1.5ins of rain had fallen in 17 hours prior to the incident.
The report added: “A forecast of heavy rain on the day of the accident meant Network Rail control staff had given instructions for special inspections of earthworks ‘at risk’ due to heavy rain.
“The accident site was not included in this category so no special inspection was carried out.”
Among the report’s recommendations were: ● Network Rail should collect intelligence about very unusual rainfall or flooding conditions from all available sources. ● It should put in place additional measures to take account of heavy rainfall at landslide blackspots.
Network Rail said last night: “We need to understand what went wrong but speculation serves no one.
“We must give the independent rail accident investigation team the time, space and patience to do a thorough and detailed job so we can get a clear picture that will help us put measures in place.”
AS AN investigation into the Stonehaven train crash began yesterday, the third victim of the tragedy was described as a “much adored” and “treasured” dad and husband.
Chris Stuchbury, 62, from Aberdeen, was a passenger aboard the ScotRail service when it derailed in Carmont, Aberdeenshire, on Wednesday morning.
He is understood to have been travelling to work in Fife when he died along with driver Brett McCullough, 45, and conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, after the train hit what is believed to have been a landslide. Six other people were injured.
In a statement, Chris’s family said they were “devastated” by the loss of the “treasured” family man, who volunteered at a specialist palliative care unit in his spare time.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
BY SALLY HIND AND JANE HAMILTON said the “hearts of a nation” were with those affected when the 6.38am ScotRail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street derailed at about 9.40am.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said an investigation into the accident would establish what lessons could be learned as he visited the site with UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps yesterday.
Chris’s family said: “Chris was a much adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many, including the Targe Towing Team, where he was an integral and valued member of staff.
“He also volunteered at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen during his spare time, which he thoroughly enjoyed doing.
“We are devastated by his death and request privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.”
One of Chris’s relatives posted a family picture on social media yesterday, which was flooded with messages of support.
A friend described him as “such a gentleman”, while Coupar Angus Cricket Club, where Chris played, shared news of his death with members.
Meanwhile, relatives of Brett issued an emotional statement through train drivers’ union ASLEF, paying tribute to the “wonderful” dad-of-three and the emergency crews who dealt with the tragedy.
It said: “Words cannot describe the utterly devastating effect of Brett’s death on his family and friends. We have lost a wonderful husband, father and son in the most awful of circumstances.
“Brett was the most decent and loving human being we have ever known and his passing leaves a huge void in all our lives.
Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s organiser in Scotland, said: “Brett was originally from Bromley, in Kent, but moved to Aberdeenshire to marry Stephanie.
“He was also a devoted family man who loved his wife and children – two girls and a boy. Brett thought the world of his family, and we all thought the world of him.”
Conductor Donald’s sister, Elaine McKechnie, revealed that