Watchdog investigating how train derailed

The rail accident watchdog is investigating how a passenger train derailed earlier this month.

The Northern train, with four passengers and four staff members on board, was travelling towards Barrow when it came off the tracks near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria on 22 March.

No-one was injured.

The Rail Accident Investigations Branch (RAIB) said its probe would seek to identify the "sequence of events" that led to the accident.

It would also look at how the railway infrastructure at the location was managed in "response to local flood risks", it said.

The train was travelling at 56mph when it derailed after crossing over a section of unsupported track.

A cavity had opened in the embankment on which the railway sat, the watchdog said.

The watchdog will also consider the condition of the railway and nearby drainage in its investigation.

It will be independent of any probe 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 concluded.

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