REPORT ON KIRKBY CRASH

THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report into a buffer stop collision on March 13, 2021, when a Merseyrail train hit the buffer stop at Kirkby station, Merseyside. The accident occurred because the driver of the train did not apply the brakes in time, as he was distracted from the driving task by his mobile phone and by his bag falling onto the cab floor.

The RAIB’s first recommendation is addressed to the Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and relates to research into devices to monitor the alertness and awareness of drivers. The second, addressed to Merseyrail and Network Rail, seeks to improve the risk assessment process for collisions with buffer stops at terminal platforms. The final recommendation asks Merseyrail to improve its fatigue management process to follow industry good practice.

The report also identified two learning points. The first reminds train drivers of the risks posed by using a mobile phone while driving a train.

The second reminds train operating companies of the importance of understanding the limits of protection offered by the train protection and warning system when risk-assessing terminal platforms.