The UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch made two recommendations for tree management near rail lines after a passenger train derailment in Norfolk, England, in February 2024.
At around 8:53 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2024, a passenger train traveling at 83 mph through Roudham Heath, Norfolk, struck two trees that had fallen onto the track. As a result, the train derailed and traveled for around 680 meters before stopping.
One recommendation was addressed to Forestry England, and the other to Network Rail. Both ask the respective organizations to review their processes for inspecting and managing trees within falling distance of the railway, consider the effects of high soil saturation levels on the risk of trees falling, and make any appropriate changes.
One of the 31 passengers on board suffered a minor injury. No other passengers or staff were injured on the train.
The train and infrastructure were damaged, and the line was closed for a day while repairs were made. The two trees were part of a forest adjacent to the railway, which Forestry England owns and manages.
One of the trees, a twin-stemmed pine tree, fell first, landing on and felling an adjacent oak tree. The pine tree suffered from a loss of root anchorage, primarily because it was standing in highly saturated, sandy soil.
Because of how the pine tree had grown and its proximity to the railway, it was more likely to land over the tracks if it fell. Inspections of the trees by Network Rail and Forestry England had not identified any cause for concern, so no action had been taken.
