Posted on the NYMR's Unofficial Forum, and others:
INCIDENT AT GROSMONT – Tuesday 15 November 2011
While attaching a locomotive to a train at Grosmont Station, the coaches ran away into a siding demolishing the buffer stop, and coming to rest having struck the parapet of an adjoining bridge on Network Rail’s Esk Valley Line. The end coach was partially derailed angled towards the Esk Valley Line. There were no staff injuries. NYMR were not running public services on this day with the train movement concerned being for internal purposes.
Unfortunately the end vehicle (Gresley Brake Third Open No 43567) has suffered significant damage, although the full extent will only be known once the coach has been recovered and examined. Although not actually foul of their running line, because of uncertainty about any possible impact on the bridge, and fears about vibration disturbing the derailed coach, Network Rail suspended the passage of trains past the site.
Recovery work was managed by DBS on behalf of Network Rail using their breakdown crane from Knottingley. Because of the difficult site location access has to be from the Esk Valley running line. NYMR participated in the recovery, which was completed late afternoon on 16th November 2011.
NYMR very much regret the incident, and the affect it had on both Northern Rail train services and Network Rail infrastructure. We especially extend our apologies for the inconvenience to Northern’s passengers. NYMR will, of course, be carrying out a full investigation, with enquiries focused on the derailed coach. Early indications suggest the incident was not due to an error on the part of any staff engaged in the train movement who acted in an exemplary manner.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail Regulation have been advised.
Philip Benham
General Manager 17 November 2011
