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SAFETY BODY PUBLISHES FINAL FORMAL INQUIRY REPORT ON UFTON

Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has today published the final report following the investigation into the Ufton level crossing collision and derailment on 6 November 2004, which claimed the lives of five people travelling on the train, the train driver, the driver of the car and injured many more.

Although the underlying cause of the accident was seen by the panel as lying beyond the direct control of the railway industry, with a car driver stopping his vehicle on the crossing before the barrier sequence commenced, 23 recommendations for improvements in a number of key areas are outlined in the report for the industry to consider to prevent or reduce the risk of recurrence.

The report, prepared by an independent three-man panel, does not apportion blame or liability but sets out an account of the accident and the evidence that has been presented to the panel.

RSSB acts to ensure that serious railway accidents are investigated thoroughly and independently and that lessons for safety are learned and acted on.

Notes for editors
1. All recipients of the report need to review the findings and recommendations and take actions where appropriate.

2. RSSB will monitor the Railway Group’s progress towards implementing recommendations on a six monthly basis and produces an annual summary report.

3. A copy of the summary and full report is available by clicking here.