Train Collision with Car due to Signalling Error, RAIB Report Finds

A signalling error where the signaller forgot the level crossing gates were open was the cause of a passenger train collision with a car, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has found.

The crash, which occurred at a level crossing in Redcar on May 1, 2024, resulted in injuries to the driver as well as significant damage to the Class 156 Northern train, although all the passengers and the train driver avoided injury.

The RAIB investigation found that the signaller had opened the Redcar level crossing to road traffic following the passage of a passing train to allow the road traffic clear. However, the signaller then forgot that the crossing was open as they tried to set the route for the oncoming 0908 Saltburn Nunthorpe train. The signaller then rang the control desk to report the apparent fault, without realising that the signal wouldn’t clear because the interlocking had detected that the crossing was open.

The report added, “At 09:20, this call was interrupted by a message from the driver of train 2U85, which had stopped at signal R223. The signaller immediately called the driver back and asked what aspect the signal was showing. The driver thought that this was an unusual request but stated that the signal was showing a red aspect. The signaller said that the panel indication was blank and authorised the train driver to pass the signal.”

As a result of the driver not remembering the crossing gates were open, the signaller authorised the train to pass the signal at danger. The train then began its approach to Redcar Central station and hit the car at approximately 23mph as it crossed the crossing.

The investigation also found that the signaller had had two safety-related incidents in the two years prior to the incident including signalling a train into a section before the line was clear as well as incorrectly granting a line blockage. According to the report, they had also been “put on a number of support plans to develop their competence and to improve their rule knowledge”, including an enhanced support plan at Redcar signal box which they had been put on in June 2023. This plan had followed on from two previous support plans whilst employed at a signal box in Cambridgeshire.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Incidents like this are thankfully very rare but taken extremely seriously because safety is our top priority.

“We accept the report and have an ongoing review of signaller standards as part of our continuous focus on improvement. Our risk assessment for this level crossing has been reviewed, and forthcoming upgrade work to signalling in this area will provide an opportunity to deliver additional protection.

“We’re also producing a ‘lessons learned’ video to share with colleagues, identifying steps to prevent repeat incidents.”

Network Rail confirmed to RAIL that the employee was still employed, however was no longer in the position of signaller.

Further analysis highlighted additional contributing factors. The train driver did not approach the crossing at a speed that would have allowed them to stop in time, and visibility of the open crossing was limited due to its unusual gate design. The report also pointed out that the level crossing lacked engineered safety measures to automatically activate warning lights when a train approached.

RAIB has made one recommendation to Network Rail, requiring it to carry out an assessment of the signal box that reviews the “ergonomics and human factors of the signal box with a particular focus on how information about the status of Redcar level crossing is made available to the signaller.” As part of that recommendation, RAIB has also said Network Rail should review its layout.