Stone train derails
Second derailment in nine years at East Somerset Jct
SIX loaded aggregate wagons, each carrying 98 tonnes of stone, were derailed at East Somerset Junction at 1750 on March 20.
There were no injuries as a result of the accident, and no other trains were in the area at the time. However, the accident caused the main Reading to Taunton line to be closed for 48 hours.
Network Rail did not say why the 1705 Merehead-Acton Yard derailed, but RAIL understands there was a reported loss of braking continuity. The 3,700- tonne stone train was moving from the W275 signal onto the Up Main Line towards W77 signal when the brake application applied.
Severe damage was caused to the track and equipment in the accident. The line was closed between Westbury and Castle Cary as a result.
The train was 38 wagons long
and formed of a mixture of HOA/ IIA and JHAs, and hauled by 59001 Yeoman Endeavour.
The Class 59 and the first 21 wagons remained on the track, while wagons 22 and 23 were detached from the train, but while wagons 24 to 29 were derailed at various angles.
The 24th wagon in the formation ended up leaning towards the Down Main. The remaining nine wagons (30 to 38) remained on the track and were to be taken back to Merehead. Several of the wagons are understood to have been badly damaged.
Recovery involved sending a DB-operated crane from Wigan on March 21. The line was due to reopen as this issue of RAIL went to press, with trains diverted via Bath and Bristol. Passengers using Great Western Railway trains were also diverted to South West Trains services.
Two Class 59s were derailed at the same East Somerset Junction location on November 10 2008.