Britain’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch has opened an inquiry into a Nov. 3 derailment near Shap, Cumbria, after a Glasgow Central–London Euston passenger train hit a landslip and left the rails.
The southbound service struck debris about 6:10 a.m., roughly three miles south of Shap, while traveling around 83 mph. The impact lifted the first bogie off the track, and it ran derailed for about 560 meters.
Four people were treated for minor injuries among the 95 on board, including nine staff, and the train and infrastructure were damaged. All passengers were evacuated safely.
RAIB’s preliminary work found heavy, sustained rain preceded the slide, and a drainage channel on the slope above could not handle the volume of water. Saturated ground below the channel failed, sending material onto the line.
Investigators will examine the design, maintenance and management of earthworks and drainage at the site and how on-site monitoring equipment performed. They will also review the operational response to adverse weather warnings, the train’s performance during the derailment and any underlying contributory factors.
RAIB will publish a report with findings and safety recommendations when the investigation concludes.
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