Fatal Stonehaven train derailment could have been avoided if drain built correctly, says sheriff
Summary
A Scottish sheriff concluded that the 2020 Stonehaven train derailment, which killed three people, might have been avoided if a drainage system had been built and overseen correctly. The train struck debris washed onto the track during heavy rain; the inquiry cited failures in drain construction and Network Rail’s oversight.Key Facts
- Driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury died in the crash near Carmont in August 2020.
- The train derailed after hitting debris washed from a drainage system during intense rainfall.
- Sheriff Lesley Johnston found that the drain was not built and installed according to its design.
- The inquiry identified possible precautions, including building the drain to its design and preparing and providing Network Rail with as-built drawings.
- Network Rail was fined £6.7 million in 2023 after admitting maintenance, inspection and other failures connected with the crash.
- The train was travelling at about 73 mph when it hit the debris and struck a bridge parapet.
- The sheriff noted that Network Rail has since increased weather monitoring and use of aerial surveys, and has placed greater focus on construction records.
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