RAIB’s early analysis pinpoints low adhesion

A Rail Accident Investigation Branch interim report has stated that signal SY31 was set at danger, to protect the movement of the Great Western Railway train across the junction.

RAIB stated: “Preliminary analysis of the On Train Data Recorder shows that the driver initially applied service braking to slow the train on approach to the caution signal before signal SY31.

“Around 12 seconds after service braking started, the driver made an emergency brake demand. A second emergency brake demand was made by the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS).

“These emergency brake demands did not prevent the train from reaching the junction, where the collision occurred.”

RAIB found that wheel slide was occurring, both when the driver started braking and during emergency braking. 

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