Derailment Incident: 12th September 2006
Train 2D57, the 19:09 hrs service from London Waterloo to Effingham Junction, became derailed on the approach to Epsom station, Surrey, at about 19:42 hrs on Tuesday 12 September 2006. The train was formed of 8 coaches, consisting of two four-car class 455 electric multiple units (EMUs). The leading bogie of the fourth coach was derailed by both axles towards the left as it passed over a set of trailing points on a right-hand curve, while the train was travelling at about 17 miles per hour (27 km/h). The train came to a stop partially in Epsom station, and all the passengers on board were quickly evacuated onto the station platform. There were no injuries, and there was only minor damage to the train and the track.
As the train approached Epsom, the driver shut off power and reduced speed to comply with the 20 mph permanent speed restriction round the curve into the station, entering the curve at 19.2 mph (30.9 km/h). He felt a judder, and looked back, observing blue flashes and smoke from the rear of the train. He assumed there was a fault with the train, and attempted to coast into the station. As the fourth coach came into his field of vision, the driver saw that it was derailed and made an emergency brake application. The train then stopped within five seconds.
In the report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch into the accident, the maintenance of track and switching gear was heavily criticised. The removal of a remote rail lubricator by Network Rail was also criticised.
Read more about this topic: Epsom Railway Station
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