Track defect found near derailment site - report
Summary
A defect was found on railway tracks near Lewes, East Sussex, where a train derailed last Thursday, injuring 30 people. Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) are studying the track condition, weather, and maintenance to understand the cause.Key Facts
- Three carriages of a train derailed near Lewes on a route from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
- The derailment happened at about 15:54 BST, with the train traveling around 65 mph in a 70 mph zone.
- Thirty people were injured; two seriously and 18 with minor injuries who have since left hospital.
- The RAIB found an "irregularity" or defect in the track geometry at the derailment site.
- Passengers on other trains reported rough riding in the same area before the accident.
- The weather was very hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 33°C (91.4°F), affecting the clay embankment under the tracks.
- Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway apologized and pledged to review and improve safety based on investigation results.
- The Department for Transport said safety is the top priority and noted that delays from track faults have decreased by 45% since the late 2000s.
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