Train tragedy prompts 50 rail improvements
Experts probing crash that killed three demand staff are taught how to interpret weather data
RAIL bosses have been ordered to make major safety improvements in the wake of the Stonehaven disaster that claimed three lives.
More than 50 recommendations have been made to Network Rail in detailed reports drawn up by specialists Lord Robert Mair and Dame Julia Slingo. Rail bosses commissioned the reports after the tragedy in August. Of the nine people on board the train from Aberdeen to Glasgow, driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Chris Stuchbury, 62, were killed. The others were injured after the train hit a landslip caused by heavy rainfall. Presenting the findings, Network Rail wrote: “The reports show that the challenge of climate change on the railway is substantial. Most earthworks alongside the tracks were built around 150 years ago and poorly engineered by modern standards, overly steep and unstable, and with drainage of a similar age and installed to a pre-set design, regardless of location. “When combined with heavier rainfall, as has been experienced in recent years, landslips and flooding can occur.” Network Rail has started implementing some of the recommendations which include analysis of slopes, using state-of-the-art weather forecasting and a wider use of drones for inspections. It added: “Some technology has been trialled – including a system to provide detailed information on where intense, short-term rain is falling, and monitoring sensors that can be adopted on potentially critical slopes to provide early detection of failure – but the reports are clear that advancements happen quickly and more can be done to keep on top of latest developments.
“Crucially, the reports recommend looking at culture and organisational change, upskilling the workforce to better access, interpret and use weather data and technology, to carry out inspections and examinations of earthworks and drainage, and to improve knowledge and competencies consistently across the organisation.”
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s safety and engineering director, said: “The UK’s railway is one of the safest in Europe, but something went tragically wrong at Stonehaven last summer and our thoughts remain with the families and friends of Brett McCullough, Donald Dinnie and Christopher Stuchbury.
“Heavy rain caused ground slips on many occasions across the entire network last year and although tragic accidents are thankfully incredibly rare and none other than Stonehaven caused injuries, it is clear extreme weather presents a significant challenge to the way we safely and reliably manage railway infrastructure.
“We do a vast amount to tackle the effects of climate change already but there is more to do.
“We will carefully consider every single recommendation and develop a science-backed improvement plan, to target available money and technology in the best possible way.”
The independent Rail Accident Investigations Branch will publish its probe later in the year.