Train passengers fell off seats after driver error

Passengers on a train fell out of their seats after it sped across a junction because the driver had misread signals and was unaware the train had switched lines.

The 10:12 GMT London Kings Cross to Ely service on 11 December, operated by Great Northern, lurched sideways as it crossed Cambridge Junction in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, while travelling at 56 mph (90 km/h) instead of 25 mph (40 km/h).

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the driver, who was newly qualified, had misread information from the signalling system.

It concluded drivers need to maintain alertness at junction signals and should not make assumptions based on their experience on other routes.

Investigators explained that the driver expected the train to travel along a faster line, but it was blocked ahead.

It was only as the driver crossed the set of points they realised they had to brake.

The driver, who was only qualified to drive unaccompanied 11 days earlier, was told to continue to Cambridge Station.

During their training they had never driven a non-stop service over that specific route, the investigation found.

The RAIB noted similar incidents have been investigated in recent years at junctions between London and Peterborough, some that caused passengers to be injured.

It reiterated recommendations it first gave to Network Rail after another incident in April 2022.

The recommendations called on Network Rail to assess junctions where there was a risk of derailment from overspeeding and implement mitigation measures in conjunction with train operators.

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