The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has confirmed that a track geometry irregularity was present in the area where a train derailed in Lewes, East Sussex, last week, leaving 30 people injured.
The RAIB revealed that rear-facing CCTV footage from train services on August 13 showed a "track geometry irregularity" on the "immediate approach to the point of derailment" on the line just outside Lewes Railway Station.
Initial Report Details
The initial report further noted "there was also evidence of previous track maintenance activity in this area." It also stated: "Following the accident, RAIB has received several reports of rough riding at the location of the derailment from passengers on other trains."
A preliminary analysis of the train's 'black box' data indicated that "the driver applied the train's brakes as it passed the point of derailment, and that the train started to decelerate."
Approximately 150 passengers were aboard the train at the time of the derailment. Thirty people sustained injuries, with 20 requiring hospital treatment following the incident, which occurred between Cooksbridge station and Lewes Tunnel.
Damage and Injuries
"Significant damage" was inflicted upon both the train and the surrounding railway infrastructure. British Transport Police had previously confirmed that two individuals suffered serious injuries, though neither was considered life-threatening.
The derailment occurred at approximately 3.54pm last Thursday (August 13), roughly one mile north of Lewes station. According to the RAIB report, train 1F34 comprised eight carriages. The rear three carriages derailed and "subsequently overturned during the accident, coming to rest on their sides on the railway's embankment," according to the report. The front five carriages remained on the tracks.
Ongoing Investigation
The RAIB dispatched its inspectors at 4.02pm to assist the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road, and the rail operators involved.
The ongoing investigation will also examine "the status of the track at this location and how it was inspected and maintained, the condition of the embankment, including the presence of any coincident risk factors [including sustained hot weather]," and "the condition of train 1F34 and the crashworthiness performance of the rear three vehicles of the train during the derailment," the preliminary report stated.
