Derailment train driver in alleged drug test failure

Accident: Points failure still considered main reason

The driver of a train which derailed in Stonehaven, resulting in days of major travel delays for hundreds of passengers failed a drug test, it is understood.

The vehicle, which was travelling under the speed limit, came off the tracks at Stonehaven station just before 6pm on Wednesday October 10.

Following the incident, the route between Aberdeen and Dundee was shut for all trains travelling both north and south until the evening of Friday October 12 to allow for repairs and investigations.

British Transport Police (BTP) says the cause of the derailment was found to be the result of a points failure.

And it has now emerged the driver of the train was suspended after a routine drugs and alcohol test.

It is understood the driver correctly passed through a signal close to the scene of the derailment.

A spokesman for the BTP said no criminality has been established and ScotRail’s position is that there is no reason to believe the incident was caused by driver fault.

The spokeswoman said: “Officers attended in order to understand the circumstances of the derailment and to assist passengers and railway staff.

“No evidence of criminality was identified and BTP are not investigating the matter any further.”

However, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said its inquiries are continuing.

A ScotRail spokesman said: “While investigations are still ongoing, there is nothing to suggest that the derailment was caused by the actions of the driver, or a fault with the train.”

A spokesman for the RAIB added: “We’re still going through the evidence and are likely to make a decision on whether to investigate next week.”

RECOVERY EFFORT: Workers try to right the train that derailed at Stonehaven station earlier this month