A train derailment in Essex that caused a carriage to be dragged off the rails for 1.5 miles was attributed to a "kink" in the track, according to an initial report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
The incident occurred on August 14 and involved a Greater Anglia service traveling from Southend to London Liverpool Street. Sixty-two passengers were on board the train when it derailed near Wickford station. While the train remained upright, its rear carriage was dragged across the track bed for approximately 1.5 miles.
No passengers were injured during the derailment, but the incident caused significant travel disruptions, with services in the area not fully resuming until the following Wednesday.
CCTV footage from the train confirmed a track misalignment at the location where the driver reported the "kink." The train driver was in the process of reporting the track condition to the signaller when they received an emergency call from an oncoming train and applied the brakes. The opposing train sustained minor damage from flying ballast.
Significant damage was also reported to the track infrastructure, signaling equipment, and overhead electrification. The RAIB has launched a full investigation into the sequence of events leading up to and during the derailment. The investigation will examine the actions of those involved, the condition and maintenance of the track, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures for operating trains in hot weather. The performance of the train during the incident and underlying management factors will also be considered.
Jamie Burles, GBR Anglia Managing Director, stated that the company is cooperating with the RAIB investigation. He apologized for the disruption caused and expressed gratitude that no one was injured, emphasizing that safety is the company's highest priority and that incidents of this nature are rare on Britain's railways.
This derailment occurred one day after another train carrying 150 passengers derailed in East Sussex on August 13, resulting in two serious injuries. That incident involved an eight-carriage train traveling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, where three carriages overturned.