Disruption following a train crash in Salisbury which left several people injured will continue for several days
(Picture: PA Wire)Crushed leaves suspected of causing a crash between two passenger trains were not cleared because of engineering work, an investigation has found.
Thirteen passengers and one member of railway staff required treatment in hospital as a result of the Fisherton tunnel crash after a South Western Rail (SWR) train ran 220 metres past a stop signal before striking a second service.
Two trains collided in a tunnel after one of them failed to stop at a red signal because its wheels were sliding along the track, according to an interim report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Low adhesion between train wheels and rails was found to be a factor in the crash.
It can be particularly severe in the autumn when a thin, slippery layer is created as trains pass over leaves - a similar effect to black ice on roads.
“Many areas had a medium or heavy level of contamination” by crushed leaves, analysis of the tracks found.
A railhead treatment train that was due to jet wash the rail and apply adhesive on the day of the accident October 31 had been rescheduled, the investigation found.
Planned engineering work between Southampton and Brockenhurst meant it was delayed, the interim report said.
Heavy rain and high winds were also likely to be factors in the events leading up to the accident, the report found.
The driver on the SWR service coming from Waterloo was travelling at 86km/h and applied the brakes as he approached Fisherton tunnel in Salisbury at around 6.45pm.
The report said: “Witness evidence indicates that the driver of train 1L53 remained in the driving cab until he realised that he could do nothing more to prevent the collision.
“The impact occurred as he was attempting to leave the cab, when he was knocked unconscious and became trapped.
“The driver sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision and was subsequently freed from the cab by the emergency services.”
The SWR train was driven by Robin Tandy, 74, who suffered what police described as “life-changing injuries”.
The operator said Mr Tandy has “over 50 years’ experience of driving on this route and an excellent professional track record”.
SWR managing director Claire Mann said: “We believe his actions went some way to preventing a much more serious incident and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The RAIB said its full investigation will consider the actions taken on the day to manage the risk of “low adhesion”.
It hopes to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
