Fatal Train Crash and Avoidability
A train derailment in August 2020 at Carmont, near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, resulting in the deaths of three men, could have been prevented if a drain had been built correctly, according to a sheriff's conclusion.
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, lost their lives when the train hit debris washed from the drain after heavy rain.
The inquiry found that:
- The drain was not constructed and installed according to its design.
- There were precautions that "might realistically have avoided the accident."
This follows the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) making 20 safety recommendations in their 2022 report on the crash, highlighting incorrect drain installation.
The Incident and Aftermath
The derailment occurred after intense rainfall in the area. The FAI heard that the rail network is now better prepared for extreme weather risks compared to the time of the crash.
In 2023, Network Rail was fined £6.7m for maintenance and inspection failures leading up to the crash, including not informing the driver of track unsafe conditions.
Causes and Findings
The train hit a landslide when traveling at approximately 73mph, due to the faulty drain.
The sheriff's determination noted the following potential precautions:
- Ensuring the drain construction by Carillion adhered to the design.
- Preparing and providing 'as built' drawings of the drain to Network Rail.
- Network Rail adhering to their own standards regarding drain construction oversight and record-keeping.
She emphasized a significant cultural shift within Network Rail since the accident, with greater focus on weather hazards and improved inspection methods, including aerial surveys.
The 199-page determination did not make new recommendations, as the RAIB had already provided comprehensive findings and suggestions for the railway industry.