Watchdog investigating Surrey train derailment

The rail accident watchdog is investigating the "sequence of events" that led to the derailment of a passenger train in Surrey earlier this month.

Network Rail has said scrap rail left on the tracks following engineering works caused the incident, in which there were no injuries, on 4 March.

The Rail Accident Investigation Brach (RAIB) said its probe would also seek to identify "any underlying management factors" behind the incident.

The train was the first to travel the Up Fast Line following engineering works the previous weekend.

It was travelling at about 85mph when it struck the scrap rail on a railway access point on the approach to Walton-on-Thames station.

Although the train's front set of wheels derailed, it remained upright and came to a stand around 500m (1,640ft) away from where the collision happened due to the driver applying the emergency brake.

The train and several hundred metres of railway infrastructure were damaged, the RAIB said.

A Network Rail spokesperson previously apologised for the disruption caused.

It added that its investigation would also consider the planning and management of the work to recover redundant rails, arrangements to ensure lines are safe following engineering work and the actions of those involved and anything "which may have influenced them".

The probe will be independent of any investigation by the railway industry or its regulator the Office of Rail and Road.

RAIB said it would publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, once the investigation concludes.

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