Summary
An inquiry into a train derailment in Stonehaven, Scotland, that killed three people in August 2020 is starting. The derailment happened after a train hit a landslide due to heavy rain, and Network Rail was fined for not properly maintaining the tracks. The inquiry is expected to last three to four weeks and aims to understand what happened to prevent future accidents.
Key Facts
- The train derailment occurred on August 12, 2020, when the Aberdeen to Glasgow train hit a landslide in Aberdeenshire.
- Three people died in the accident: the driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury.
- Network Rail was fined £6.7 million for maintenance and inspection failures related to the derailment.
- The inquiry into the crash is taking place in Aberdeen and is expected to last between three and four weeks.
- The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found issues with track drainage and other safety recommendations.
- Network Rail admitted to failing to warn the driver about the unsafe track condition or to instruct him to slow down.
- The train was traveling at about 73 mph when it hit debris from the landslide and derailed.
- The inquiry is held at the civil annexe of Aberdeen Sheriff Court, and it involves several legal representatives and family members.
