Train Track Defect Found Before Lewes Derailment, Report Says
Katy Austin, Transport correspondent, and Patrick Barlow, South East PA Media
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its initial report into the derailment of a train near Lewes, which left 30 injured.
Defect Found on Tracks
An "irregularity" was discovered on railway tracks in East Sussex at the site where three carriages tumbled into an embankment last Thursday. The RAIB received reports from passengers on other trains about rough riding before the crash.
Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway issued a joint statement apologizing for the incident, saying they were "sorry this happened on our railway."
RAIB Initial Findings:
- CCTV footage from a train that passed through the crash site at 14:04 BST showed an "irregularity" with the track geometry just before the point where the train derailed.
- The 14:24 service from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed at about 15:54 BST while traveling at approximately 65 mph, within the 70 mph speed limit.
- The driver had begun to brake as the train approached the site.
- The accident occurred during a period of sustained hot and dry weather with temperatures reaching 33°C (91.4°F) shortly before the crash.
RAIB Investigation:
The ongoing investigation will consider track inspection, maintenance, embankment conditions, weather, and hot weather mitigation measures.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, and John Whitehurst, Greater Thameslink Railway’s chief executive, promised to carefully review the RAIB recommendations and work collaboratively with the industry to enhance safety.
