Five years after the Stonehaven train derailment, unions are warning that crucial safety improvements remain incomplete despite large-scale investments and repeated calls for urgent action to protect passengers and railway workers. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Five years after the Stonehaven train derailment, unions are warning that crucial safety improvements remain incomplete despite large-scale investments and repeated calls for urgent action to protect passengers and railway workers.
PA Media

Stonehaven train derailment and unresolved safety actions

The tragedy on 12 August 2020 killed driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury when the Aberdeen to Glasgow service derailed at Carmont after hitting a landslide caused by heavy rain.

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Network Rail faced intense scrutiny for safety failures, admitting responsibility in court and paying a £6.7 million fine in 2023. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch issued 20 recommendations, but eight remain open, including drainage redesign and improved control room operations.

The RMT union criticized the delays, stressing that remembrance alone cannot replace urgent action. General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said that unresolved recommendations continue to put lives at risk and undermine public confidence in railway safety.

Railway investment, inquiry, and next steps

Network Rail highlighted over £400 million in weather resilience projects, working with the ORR, train operators, and stakeholders to address safety gaps. But officials admit that some improvements require complex, long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

Investigators found that an incorrectly installed drainage system caused the landslide. On the day of the accident, the train had turned back toward Aberdeen due to poor weather. The driver confirmed with the signaller that normal speeds were safe, but minutes later the train struck debris, derailed, and hit a bridge parapet.

Nearly $1.3 million in civil claims have been settled. A preliminary hearing for the Fatal Accident Inquiry will take place on 28 August to set dates and timelines. The findings may shape the future of UK rail safety policy.

FAQ

What caused the Stonehaven train derailment?

It occurred when a train hit a landslide caused by heavy rain, linked to an incorrectly installed drainage system, leading to three deaths and multiple injuries.

Has Network Rail acted on the safety recommendations?

Network Rail has completed many actions and invested over £400 million, but eight safety recommendations from the RAIB remain unresolved.

When will the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Stonehaven train derailment begin?

A preliminary hearing is set for 28 August to establish the start date and duration of the inquiry.

Source: www.bbc.com

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