The
Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report into a runaway trailer in Hope, Derbyshire.
The incident occurred on Sunday 28 May 2017 when a trailer, which was being propelled by a small rail tractor, became detached between Dale and Bamford.
The trailer travelled around one mile before coming to a stop at a set of points at Earles Sidings, close to Hope.
Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries requiring medical attention, and there was no significant damage to the infrastructure, the trailer or the tractor.
RAIB found that the trailer became separated from the train because a linch pin that secured the tow bar pin had “almost certainly” been inserted in the wrong orientation, resulting in it falling out, which in turn caused the tow bar pin to fall out and the tow bar to become uncoupled....
.....RAIB recommended that Network Rail provide staff with guidance on what actions to take if a trailer becomes immobilised when being used, and that it should confirm that the competence management of staff with safety critical roles is being effectively implemented.
It also recommended that Network Rail takes steps to understand the factors that led to the non-compliances identified in the report and improve compliance with standards and code of practice....
