Investigation begins into derailed train incident

Investigators are to look into an incident in which a broken-down train derailed on its way to a depot.

The out-of-service London Northwestern train derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction shortly after leaving Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, at about 12:27 BST on 26 June.

A recovery process meant some lines running through the junction were out of use until 16:05 BST on 29 June.

Initial findings by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reveal the train encountered a fault preventing it from departing southwards from platform 4 at Bletchley station.

The train still worked even driven northwards but a fail machine blocked the normal signalled route north, investigators say.

Because of this, the train was instructed to travel in the wrong direction on the southbound line - without the usual protection from the signalling system.

It had been travelling at about 15mph when the front bogie derailed on a switch diamond crossing.

There were no passengers on the service or any reported injuries to the four members of staff on board.

The RAIB said it would publish its full findings and any recommendations to improve safety once the investigation was completed.

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