Systemic Failures Led to Fatal Carmont Derailment
Sheriff's inquiry highlights incorrect drain construction and Network Rail's oversight lapses in 2020 tragedy.
Callum Smith
A fatal accident inquiry has concluded that a train derailment near Stonehaven in 2020, which killed three people, could have been avoided.
Sheriff Lesley Johnson issued her determination Wednesday. She found Carillion built the drain incorrectly; Network Rail failed to ensure its proper construction.
Carillion constructed the drain in two phases, 2011 and 2012. It deviated from its design in several respects.
Issues included piping and the materials used. The addition of a "bund," or ridge, prevented the drain from functioning as intended.
The derailment could have been avoided, Sheriff Johnson stated. The drain needed correct construction, in accordance with the design Carillion received.
The derailment could have been avoided.
Network Rail failed to ensure the drain's proper construction and alignment with the drawings. Carillion, which entered compulsory liquidation in January 2018, also failed to prepare "as built" drawings of the finished drain and provide them to Network Rail.
Network Rail then failed to ensure it was "in receipt" of these critical documents.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) previously made 20 recommendations following the incident. The majority have since been implemented.
Sheriff Johnson did not make new recommendations. She noted the RAIB's work and the implementation of its suggestions.
Network Rail was fined £6.7 million in 2023. The company admitted maintenance and inspection failures and failing to warn the driver about track conditions.
Sheriff Lesley Johnson expressed her condolences. She stated, "Finally, I wish to join all the participants in this inquiry in expressing my sincere condolences to the families and friends of Christopher Stuchbury, Donald Dinnie and Brett McCullough for the tragic and untimely loss of their loved ones."
Important changes have been made across the rail industry since the derailment. Measures address the safety issues identified during the inquiry.