The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has opened an independent inquiry into the cause of a train derailment on the West Coast Main Line at Shap, Cumbria, which occurred on 3 November.

The Avanti West Coast service, travelling from Glasgow to London at 04:28, was carrying 86 passengers and nine staff when it struck a landslip while travelling at 80mph. Four people sustained minor injuries and received treatment following the incident.

RAIB’s preliminary examination indicated that a drainage channel was unable to handle the volume of water present, causing the slope material beneath to become saturated and triggering the landslip.

The investigation will explore a range of factors, including the design and maintenance of earthworks and drainage systems, the effectiveness of on-site monitoring equipment, and how the operator responded to weather warnings.

A RAIB spokesman said:

“We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety.”

The inquiry aims to identify the underlying causes of the derailment and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Image: RAIB