Railway Accidents
Railway accidents are comparatively rare, but their consequences can be severe, involving many injuries and loss of life. A high speed crash or derailment is inevitably very high profile in the media and can cause disruption to transport links for many weeks. The nature of the equipment involved often dictates that even minor incidents can have significant operational and financial consequences.
We investigate incidents including
- Derailments;
- Collision with objects on the track;
- Collisions with vehicles on level crossings;
- Potential inadequate maintenance of track and rolling stock;
- Mechanical failure of the permanent way and rolling stock;
- Fires and theft of cargo.
MI has the expertise (PTS accredited) to investigate and handle all types of incidents, establishing where liability lies and contributory factors. We can also offer guidance and advice on how to avoid further incidents of the same nature: any accident is one too many.
Our investigations usually start with a site visit and consideration of all witness evidence. Obtaining the witness evidence is usually the first step in establishing a narrative of events and is important in determining causation.
A typical investigation will include
Liaison with official agencies is an important part of rail investigation and MI is well versed in dealing with the British Transport Police (BTP), the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR), the Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Network Rail and its subcontractors, the Fire Brigade, the CAHA Registrar and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). We also work with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) in sharing factual information.
- Statements from the driver(s) and train crew(s) and witnesses;
- Inspection and examination of track, signals, locomotive(s) and rolling stock;
- Inspection of maintenance records of track work, signalling, locomotives and rolling stock.