RAIL CRASH REPORT: CATALOGUE OF ERRORS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

RAIL CRASH REPORT: CATALOGUE OF ERRORS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

SERIOUS QUESTIONS NEED ANSWERED

Willie Coffey, SNP MSP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, has reacted with concern at the catalogue of failings by Network Rail and its predecessors revealed in the report into the rail crash at Stewarton on 27 January 2009.

The report, released today by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, raises serious questions about the maintenance regime for the bridge over many years.

Key findings of the report include:

· That a maintenance train operated by Network Rail detected signs of movement in the bridge 3 days before the accident. But such signs are not currently used by Network Rail in assessing the condition of its bridges.

· Concerns about corrosion of the bridge highlighted after a detailed inspection in 2003 were not responded to.
· That heavy corrosion of the main girders of the bridge that was almost certainly present in 1987 would have been revealed during waterproofing work, but was not dealt with.

· Continued failure to respond to corrosion concerns was highlighted in subsequent annual inspections.
· That there were no arrangements in place to inspect the main girders of this bridge that were mostly hidden from view.

Commenting, Local MSP Willie Coffey said,

“This is a damning report, which demands an explanation at the highest level in Network Rail and all those concerned with rail safety.

“The catalogue of errors and missed opportunities goes back at least twenty years.

"Peoples lives were put at risk here. And I am astounded that reports about corrosion to the main girders were not actioned.

"It was sheer luck that the bridge didn't collapse a few minutes later since a passenger train would have been travelling over it with hundreds of commuters.

"I want an assurance from Network Rail that their inspection and reporting regime will not only be tightened up. But seen to be actioned when reports are presented to them showing fatigue or corrosion.

"Thanks to investment that was already under way, the bridge that collapsed was replaced and the line was able to reopen within weeks.