Restricted view led to Grosmont ‘20’ crash
THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s report into the collision between Class 20 No. 20189 and a passenger train at Grosmont, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, found the accident occurred because the loco was travelling too fast to be able to stop in the distance available when the stationary coaches ahead first came into the driver’s view.
Five minor injuries were reported amongst the 175 passengers on the Whitbybound passenger train, and all were treated by first aiders at the scene. There was some damage to the coaches, which were removed from service for several weeks to allow inspection and repair, but there was no damage to the locomotive, track, or other infrastructure.
The ‘20’ was switching platforms at Grosmont to move into the space behind the Whitby train as part of a move permitted under the NYMR’s rule book and signalling system. It entered platform two at about 10mph, but the combination of being driven ‘nose first’ and the curvature of the platform meant the driver’s view of the coaches was obscured until it was too late to stop, a collision then occurring at around 5mph. A traction inspector, fireman and cleaner were also in the cab at the time, but their presence was not found to be a distraction to the driver.
The ORR issued an improvement notice on October 7, 2021 requiring the railway to be able to demonstrate the competence of its drivers for operation on both its own infrastructure and on the Esk Valley line.