Several passengers sustained minor injuries when an LNER train “lurched sideways” after passing a set of points at more than twice the permitted speed on the East Coast Main Line, investigators have confirmed.

The incident occurred on 26 September, when the 07:08 service from Middlesbrough to London King’s Cross travelled through points near Grantham at 56mph (90 km/h). The permanent speed restriction for that section was 25mph (40 km/h), and the associated signals displayed the correct indications, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said.

The train had been routed onto another line by the points, which reduced the speed limit significantly. RAIB noted that the excessive speed caused the train to lurch sideways, prompting follow-up inquiries that clarified the seriousness of the event.

RAIB has conducted a preliminary examination and reviewed previous similar incidents, including two overspeeding events at Spital Junction, Peterborough, in April 2022 and May 2023. As previous investigations still have open safety recommendations, RAIB plans to publish a safety digest for the Grantham incident in the coming weeks. The digest approach is used when lessons can be drawn from prior events or relate to compliance with existing rules.

An LNER spokesperson said:

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We have supported RAIB in their preliminary examination and will review any recommendations made in their safety digest, alongside continuing to work with partners in the industry.”

Image: LNER