Lumo ‘803’ crossed points at three times the speed limit

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into why a Lumo Class 803 crossed over points on the East Coast Main Line at three times the speed limit.

RAIB has confirmed that the 0820 Newcastle-King’s Cross passed three sets of points at the north end of Peterborough station at a speed of 75mph at around 1020 on April 17.

The maximum speed limit is 25mph, and it resulted in the train lurching sideways before an emergency brake application was made.

The train did not derail due to the incident. No damage was caused to the infrastructure, nor to any of the vehicles involved. However, 15 passengers were reported to have sustained minor injuries after being thrown from their seats and struck by falling luggage (RAIL 956). 

The train completed its journey to London, where it was taken out of service for safety checks. This resulted in both the 1209 departure from King’s Cross and the 1852 return service from Edinburgh being cancelled.

RAIB confirmed on May 11 that the ‘803’ had been approaching Peterborough (where it was not due to stop) on a fast line, before being routed onto a slower line via the points. 

The route onto this slower line was being displayed on the signal situated on the approach to the points.

RAIB said its investigation would therefore seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the incident. This will include consideration of the way the train was driven, any factors which may have influenced the actions of the drive, the condition of the signalling system at the time, the nature of reported injuries, and any underlying management factors.