Near-Disaster Uncovered: Train Collision Averted by Seconds!

A 'dangerous' near-miss incident involving two Northern trains has triggered an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. The event occurred near Todmorden, West Yorkshire, after an out-of-service train made an uncontrolled movement towards a junction, narrowly avoiding a collision with a Leeds-bound service.

Pelumi Ilesanmi • Global • 9 hours ago • 2 minute read •

Key Points

• A dangerous near-miss incident involving two Northern trains occurred on May 7, prompting a full investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

• An out-of-service train made an 'uncontrolled movement' and stopped just 12 seconds before a Leeds-bound passenger service passed the same junction at 45mph.

• The RAIB investigation will examine signalling systems, staff management and training, and risk management during revised working arrangements.

Near-Disaster Uncovered: Train Collision Averted by Seconds!

A 'dangerous' near-miss incident involving two Northern trains traveling at 45mph has prompted a full investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The event occurred on May 7, involving the 9:57 pm Manchester Victoria to Leeds service and another Northern train that was out-of-service.

The sequence of events leading to the near-miss began when the driver of the out-of-service train received permission from the signaller to move closer to a signal located near Todmorden in West Yorkshire. However, unbeknownst to the driver, the train's cab had already passed the signal. This oversight resulted in the train making an 'uncontrolled movement' towards Todmorden Viaduct Junction.

The driver quickly realized the situation and managed to bring the train to a halt in close proximity to the junction. Just 12 seconds after the out-of-service train stopped, at approximately 10:28 pm, the Leeds-bound service passed through the same junction at a speed of 45mph.

Fortunately, the RAIB confirmed that no injuries were sustained and no damage was caused as a result of the near-miss. The incident took place during a 'period of revised working arrangements' which had temporarily increased the number of shunting movements involving Todmorden West Curve.

The ongoing investigation into this 'dangerous occurrence' will delve into several critical areas. These include an examination of the signalling systems in the area, the management, training, and competency of the staff involved, and how the risks associated with the revised working arrangements were being managed. The findings and outcome of the investigation are expected to be published at a later date.