RAIB warns that lessons have not been learnt as it releases overspeeding report at Spital Junction

A recent investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) into a train overspeeding incident at Spital Junction, near Peterborough, has highlighted significant safety concerns.

On May 4, 2023, a Grand Central train passed over the junction at an excessive speed of 66 miles per hour, well above the permitted limit of 30 mph. The sudden sideways movement of the coaches caused some passengers to be thrown from their seats, resulting in minor injuries.

The RAIB's investigation found that the overspeeding was primarily due to the driver's failure to react appropriately to the signal indication. The driver, expecting the train to continue on the straight-ahead route, did not recognise the signal indicating a diverging route with a lower speed limit.

The investigation also identified several underlying factors contributing to the incident. Grand Central had not provided the driver with sufficient non-technical skills to manage the risk posed by the signal, and Network Rail and East Coast Main Line train operators had not effectively controlled the risk of overspeeding at the junction.

In response to the findings, the RAIB has made four recommendations. They have recommended that Grand Central improves its driver training especially regarding non-technical skills and additional strategies. It is also recommending Grand Central adopts enhanced safety learning processes, review of signal standards, and better management of LED signal degradation.

Andrew Hall, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents, emphasised the importance of learning from previous incidents and taking effective action to prevent similar occurrences. He stated, "The fact that the management of risks associated with an incident may be shared between more than one party does not alter this."

He also drew parallels to an incident in 2022 involving a Lumo train at Spital Junction, which was close to overturning.

“During the 2022 incident a train crossed the 30-mph limited junction at around 76-mph; a speed at which it is likely that some wheels lifted off the rails and close to a speed that could have caused the train to overturn. Thankfully a serious accident had been very narrowly avoided but thirteen months later, in this incident, the same junction was crossed at 66 mph in similar circumstances.

“This, once again, reinforces why learning from previous accidents and incidents and taking effective action in response to them is a vital means of improving safety and avoiding repeating mistakes of the past.

“The fact that the management of risks associated with an incident may be shared between more than one party does not alter this.”, he added.

Sean English, Chief Operating Officer for Grand Central commented: “We welcome the findings of the RAIB report into the incident of overspeeding at Spital Junction involving one of our Sunderland to London King’s Cross services in May 2023. The safety of our customers and our colleagues will always be our number one priority, and we have fully supported and cooperated with RAIB throughout their investigation. 

“We have already taken action to address the recommendations and are working closely with Network Rail to help ensure that lessons are fully learnt, and that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents occurring again. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all those on board our service that day, for what must have been a distressing experience.”