Sheriff says Stonehaven train derailment could have been avoided if drain was built correctly

Heavy rain led to derailment

The train struck debris near Stonehaven after intense rainfall over a short period. The material had washed onto the track from a drainage system that had been installed incorrectly.

Travelling at about 73mph, the train derailed and collided with a bridge parapet. Christopher Stuchbury, Donald Dinnie and Brett McCullough died in the 2020 crash. A recording showed the driver asking a signaller whether a reduced speed was needed for the return journey north. The article does not say what response the signaller gave.

Sheriff identifies construction failings

In her written determination, Sheriff Johnston said the drain should have matched its design. She also said completed-work drawings should have been prepared and given to Network Rail, which had standards requiring it to obtain them.

The sheriff found a defect in the working system, citing Network Rail’s oversight of the drain’s construction and its failure to ensure the work followed the plans. Network Rail was fined £6.7m in 2023 for a series of failings connected with the crash.

The sheriff said that inspections now make much greater use of aerial surveys, mainly by helicopter and also by drone. She made no recommendations in her 199-page determination, saying the Rail Accident Investigation Branch had already conducted a thorough investigation and issued recommendations.

Industry says safety measures addressed

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch made 20 safety recommendations in its 2022 report. Sheriff Johnston said the changes described to the inquiry had satisfied her that the identified issues had been or were being addressed by the rail industry.

Network Rail said it had worked since August 2020 to improve railway safety, meet the investigation’s recommendations and support the inquiry process. A speaker discussing the families said they might find comfort in lessons being learned and that the men would not be forgotten.