Runaway train probe ‘shows safety was compromised’ - engineering unit broke lose and travelled south for 4 miles
Published: 23 June 2011
by JOSIE HINTON
UNION officials have welcomed a damning report on an incident in which a runaway train hurtled through six Camden Tube stations without a driver. A probe was launched into how the towed train broke away near Highgate station on August 13 last year and avoided a collision by just 49 seconds.
The engineering train, which had become defective, was being towed by an out-of-service passenger train when it broke loose and travelled four miles south from Archway.
Passengers on the train ahead were herded into the front carriages as it shot through seven stations to avoid the runaway train behind. The Northern Line train eventually came to a stop near Warren Street Tube station. No one was hurt.
In a report released on Thursday, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch said the emergency coupling used to tow the train “was not strong enough for the duties it was intended to perform” and had been “inadequately designed”.
It also found:
• The brakes had been disabled, preventing an emergency stop.
• No precautions had been taken to stop a train breaking free.
• Testing had been done with a different type of train.
• Staff had been given inadequate training in the recovery procedure.
Welcoming the report’s findings, Steve Hedley, regional organiser of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said staff were working in a climate of “profits before safety”.
“The report clearly states that the safety process was compromised for operational needs,” he added. “The train should never have been towed in this way. It should have been pushed by an engineering train.” There had been pressure not to cause delays, he claimed.
Mr Hedley added: “We hope London Underground learns lessons and doesn’t put people in that situation again. It was luck more than anything that no one was seriously hurt or worse.”
The report ordered a review of safety procedures and the retraining of management. But investigators praised staff for acting quickly and preventing casualties.
“None of the control room staff or train operators dealing with the consequences of the runaway RGU [rail grinding unit] had any experience, training or guidance on how to handle this type of situation. Their performance, and particularly that of the service manager, deserves commendation,” the report said.
Welcoming the report, a Transport for London spokesman said: “Following the incident, London Underground immediately put in place procedures to remove the engineering train and tow-bar from use. Since then, LU and Tube Lines have put in place tighter controls for the design and use of towing equipment.”
A review of rolling stock and equipment is taking place.