Investigators Point to Maintenance Faults in Virgin Rail Crash

Deficiencies in asset inspection and maintenance, which lead to faulty points on a rail track, have been identified as the cause of a fatal Virgin Trains crash earlier this year, which killed one and injured 22 in the UK.

The Virgin Pendolino service from London's Euston to Glasgow came off its rails at 8:12pm on 23 February after points at a Lambrigg crossover became detached, following deterioration, according to a report released this month.

The investigation, carried out by the UK's Network Rail with representatives of Virgin Trains, reveals how the accident, which saw carriages travelling 427m from the tracks into an embankment, occurred.

The report says the incident could have been avoided with increased maintenance on the track and its points following the introduction of new services from 2005.

The UK Rail Accident Investigation Branch is further investigating issues such as the crashworthiness of the train and post-event activity, among other issues.

Reported by Penny Jones