A train derailment that resulted in the deaths of three individuals could have been avoided had a drain been constructed correctly, according to a sheriff's findings. The incident occurred on August 12, 2020, when train 1T08 derailed at Carmont, near Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, after striking debris that had been washed onto the track by heavy rain.
The inquiry heard that the three fatalities—driver Brett McCullough, 45; conductor Donald Dinnie, 58; and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62—suffered 'unsurvivable' blunt force injuries. Six other passengers sustained injuries.
Sheriff Lesley Johnson determined that the derailment could have been prevented if the construction firm Carillion had built the drain in accordance with its design. The drain, built in two phases in 2011 and 2012, deviated from the design in several respects, including issues with piping, materials used, and the addition of a ridge that prevented the drain from functioning as intended.
Network Rail was also found to have failed in its duty to ensure the drain was constructed properly and in line with the provided drawings. Furthermore, Carillion neglected to prepare and provide 'as built' drawings to Network Rail, which in turn failed to ensure it received them.
In 2023, Network Rail was fined £6.7 million after admitting health and safety failings. Carillion had previously entered compulsory liquidation in January 2018.
The determination stated, "The drain was not constructed/installed in accordance with the design. As a result, the drain was unable to accommodate the flow of surface water during the intense rainfall in the area on August 12, 2020."
Train 1T08 had departed Aberdeen at 6:38 a.m. and was halted for over two hours due to a landslip further down the line. At approximately 9:28 a.m., the train was authorized to return to Stonehaven and struck the displaced debris from the drain around 9:37 a.m. At the time of the collision, the train was traveling at approximately 73 mph, just below the normal speed for the line. The impact caused the train to derail and strike the parapet of bridge 325, scattering the train vehicles.
Sheriff Johnson paid tribute to those affected by the crash, acknowledging the survivors and extending condolences to the families of the deceased. She noted that many recommendations made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch following its investigation have been implemented, with the remainder being actively progressed.
Officials from various bodies, including Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail, expressed their thoughts remained with the families of those who died and emphasized ongoing commitments to safety.