Track defect found on approach to site of Lewes derailment, initial report says
Initial findings from an RAIB investigation show an "irregularity" at the site near Lewes.
A defect was discovered on railway tracks near the site of a tragic derailment in Lewes, as reported by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident occurred last Thursday, when three carriages tumbled down an embankment, leaving 30 people injured. Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway, which operated the Southern Rail train involved in the crash, expressed regret over the event.
Initial investigations revealed that CCTV footage showed a defect in track geometry just before the train derailed. The train was traveling at approximately 65 mph, within the 70 mph speed limit, and the driver had already initiated braking as the train approached the site. The accident took place during a period of hot and dry weather, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91.4°F) shortly before the incident.
The RAIB's ongoing investigation will examine various factors, including the inspection and maintenance of the track and embankment, weather conditions, and the effectiveness of any hot weather mitigation measures. Network Rail's route director for Sussex, Lucy McAuliffe, and Greater Thameslink Railway's CEO, John Whitehurst, apologized for the derailment and pledged to consider recommendations arising from the investigation to make the railway even safer.
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