Investigation into the derailment of a passenger train at Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, 22 March 2024
At around 06:05 hrs on 22 March 2024, a passenger train travelling between Preston and Barrow-on-Furness derailed after crossing over a section of unsupported track which gave way as the train passed. The track had become unsupported because a cavity had opened in the embankment on which the railway sits.
The train was travelling at 56 mph (90 km/h) when the accident occurred, with the front three carriages of the six-carriage train becoming derailed. The train struck a wall situated at the top of the embankment following the derailment. It remained upright and came to a stand with the rear of the train around 31 metres beyond the cavity.
There were four staff and four passengers on the train when the accident occurred. There were no injuries sustained by anyone onboard, although significant damage was caused to the train and to railway infrastructure.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider:
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation.