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Rail companies in dock over Southall case
26th Feb, 2006 to 26th May, 2006
The HSE began prosecution of Network Rail and Amey Rail in December in connection with the partial derailment of a high-speed train near Southall station, West London, in November 2002. The HSE alleges that, by failing to install or maintain the railway line adequately, the companies exposed people to unacceptable risks.At 20.05 on 24 November 2002 the leading bogie of the fifth coach of a First Great Western Swansea to London express derailed east of Southall station. It travelled a further two miles before coming to a halt just before West Ealing station. At the time of the derailment the train was carrying 450 passengers and travelling at 120mph. Amazingly, all carriages remained upright and no passengers or staff were injured.
Meanwhile, Allan Sefton, director of rail safety at the HSE, said in October that a decision on whether to prosecute in relation to the Potters Bar train derailment will be taken after a coroner’s inquest is held. This followed the Crown Prosecution Service’s announcement that there is no realistic prospect of conviction for an offence of gross negligence manslaughter against any individual or corporation.