Derailed train 'driven too fast'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

All long distance services between Euston and the north came to a stop causing huge disruption the length of the UK.

Damage to the track was so bad disruption lasted several days. Initial investigations revealed today by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) conclude the derailment occured because "the locomotive was driven significantly faster than the permitted speed over the (track) junction.

"This resulted in its wheel flanges climbing over the outer rail of a curve just before it would have reached the up fast line."

Ongoing investigations include "examination of the factors that influenced the behavior of the driver."

The loco, which remained upright, tore up track and brought down overhead power cables carrying 25,000 volts. The driver was taken to hospital but was not seriously hurt.

The Evening Standard revealed at the time that although the line speed at the junction was 15 mph the damage indictated a speed "nearer 50 mph."