Coton Hill Rail Crash - The Inquiry

The Inquiry

The Department of Transport inquiry found that, due to the damage caused to the locomotive and train (the locomotive was later scrapped, despite being only 8 months old), it was impossible to ascertain whether a brake failure had impaired the driver's ability to stop the train. However, the driver was found to be responsible for the accident, as had he stopped at the top of the incline, as was required, he would have been able to stop the train even if a brake failure had occurred. The driver did not have any recollection of the accident, and it was thought logical that he had assumed that the points were set for the main line and not the goods loop.

When the locomotive was being broken up some months later, it was found that its Automatic Warning System (AWS) equipment had been isolated, despite appearing to be in working order. The driver would therefore have had no warning that the points were set for the goods loop ahead, though given the failure to stop, this would probably not have prevented the accident.

Read more about this topic:  Coton Hill Rail Crash

Famous quotes containing the word inquiry:

    The philosophic spirit of inquiry may be traced to brute curiosity, and that to the habit of examining all things in search of food.
    W. Winwood Reade (1838–1875)

    An inquiry about the attitude towards the release of so-called political prisoners. I should be very sorry to see the United States holding anyone in confinement on account of any opinion that that person might hold. It is a fundamental tenet of our institutions that people have a right to believe what they want to believe and hold such opinions as they want to hold without having to answer to anyone for their private opinion.
    Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)