CCTV, monitor irregularity, sizzling climate – a take a look at what this report saysrevealed at 13:09 BST
Katy Austin
Transport correspondent
Investigators say CCTV from the prepare which derailed close to Lewes final week, and different trains that used the road on the identical day, present there was an “irregularity” with the monitor geometry simply earlier than the purpose the place the prepare got here off the tracks.
The Rail Accident Investigation Department stated it had acquired “a number of reviews of tough using on the location of the derailment from passengers on different trains”. Its preliminary replace additionally highlights that the accident happened throughout a sustained interval of sizzling and dry climate.
It says the clay embankment and the fabric beneath it are delicate to modifications in moisture content material, and will transfer as moisture ranges change.
The RAIB says there’s proof that some motion had beforehand taken place, however no proof to point a big slip earlier than the accident.
The remainder of the investigation will now think about parts together with:
- how that part of monitor was inspected and maintained
- the situation and upkeep of the embankment
- the climate situations and the way efficient any sizzling climate mitigation measures have been – meant to handle the dangers of working trains in sizzling climate
The prepare was travelling at round 65mph because it approached the purpose of derailment, inside the 70mph pace restrict. Three carriages of the prepare from London Victoria to Eastbourne got here off the tracks on Thursday afternoon.
They ended up on their aspect down an embankment. Twenty folks wanted hospital remedy, with two severely injured.
The RAIB has at this time launched its preliminary replace and its full investigation is continuous.
