At about 20:03 hrs on 19 October 2022, the 17:15 hrs Clitheroe to Carlisle Yard freight service derailed at Petteril Bridge Junction, near Carlisle.
The freight train involved was formed of a Class 66 locomotive and 14 loaded cement wagons. Seven of these wagons derailed, two of which subsequently entered the River Petteril. A further two of the derailed wagons came to rest down an embankment.
No injuries were caused by the accident, which caused substantial damage to railway infrastructure and some of the vehicles involved. The passenger lines from Newcastle to Carlisle were blocked as result of the accident.
Currently available evidence indicated that the derailment was almost certainly a result of a wheelset with false flanges encountering a set of switches that are part of the junction. False flanges are associated with severe flat spots on wheel treads; a result of wheels running locked.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident. It will include consideration of track conditions, the condition of the wagons, wagon characteristics, the status of the train's braking systems and any underlying management factors.
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. This report will be available on our website.
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