Menu
13/01/2012
Regulator Prosecutes Network Rail For Grayrigg Train Derailment
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today started criminal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law which caused a train to derail near Grayrigg in 2007.
On 23 February 2007, the 17.15 Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailed on the West Coast Mainline near Grayrigg in Cumbria. 109 persons were on board. One passenger, Mrs Margaret Masson, was killed. 86 people were injured, 28 seriously.
The rail regulator’s prosecution follows the conclusion of its investigation into the derailment of the Virgin Pendolino passenger train, and the completion of the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson.
Network Rail is facing a charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This results from the company’s failure to provide and implement suitable and sufficient standards, procedures, guidance, training, tools and resources for the inspection and maintenance of fixed stretcher-bar points.
Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: "ORR has conducted a thorough investigation into whether criminal proceedings should be brought in relation to the train derailment near Grayrigg on 23 February 2007, which caused the death of Mrs Masson and injured 86 people.
"Following the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson, I have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for a serious breach of health and safety law which led to the train derailment.
"My thoughts are with the family of Mrs Masson and those injured in this incident. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible. The railway today is as safe as it has ever been but there can be no room for complacency. The entire rail industry must continue to strive for improvements to ensure that public safety is never put at risk."
The first hearing is due to take place at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2012.
(GK)
On 23 February 2007, the 17.15 Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailed on the West Coast Mainline near Grayrigg in Cumbria. 109 persons were on board. One passenger, Mrs Margaret Masson, was killed. 86 people were injured, 28 seriously.
The rail regulator’s prosecution follows the conclusion of its investigation into the derailment of the Virgin Pendolino passenger train, and the completion of the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson.
Network Rail is facing a charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This results from the company’s failure to provide and implement suitable and sufficient standards, procedures, guidance, training, tools and resources for the inspection and maintenance of fixed stretcher-bar points.
Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: "ORR has conducted a thorough investigation into whether criminal proceedings should be brought in relation to the train derailment near Grayrigg on 23 February 2007, which caused the death of Mrs Masson and injured 86 people.
"Following the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson, I have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for a serious breach of health and safety law which led to the train derailment.
"My thoughts are with the family of Mrs Masson and those injured in this incident. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible. The railway today is as safe as it has ever been but there can be no room for complacency. The entire rail industry must continue to strive for improvements to ensure that public safety is never put at risk."
The first hearing is due to take place at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2012.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
10 October 2011
Train To Take Strain In South West
Passengers in the South West will see a greater community involvement with the designation of the Heart of Wessex Line between Bristol and Weymouth as a community rail service, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced today.
Train To Take Strain In South West
Passengers in the South West will see a greater community involvement with the designation of the Heart of Wessex Line between Bristol and Weymouth as a community rail service, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced today.
27 April 2004
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
