Investigation After Train Fails To Stop

18 November 2010, 13:18 | Updated: 18 November 2010, 13:59

Investigations are underway following an incident last Monday where a train overshot a station by two and a half miles

The RAIB is carrying out an investigation into a serious incident involving a passenger train that occurred on the Tonbridge to Hastings line in Sussex. This is their statement

At around 08:10 hrs on Monday 8 November 2010 the 06:45 hrs train from London Charing Cross to Hastings encountered poor adhesion conditions as its driver applied the brakes to make the scheduled stop at Stonegate station, while travelling at about 65 mph. The train was unable to stop at Stonegate, and came to a stand some 2.45 miles (4 km) beyond the station.

No signals were passed at danger during the incident and a level crossing encountered by the train during the incident operated normally.

The train driver contacted the signaller by radio to report the situation.

The investigation will identify the reasons for the train’s inability to stop normally, and examine the arrangements for the servicing and maintenance of the rail head sanding equipment on the trains used on the Charing Cross – Hastings line, the information provided to the driver, the regime for rail head treatment, and other factors which may have affected the incident.

The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigations by the Police and the safety authority.

The RAIB will publish a report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.