An investigation has been launched into the derailment of a train in South Cumbria.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said it would look to identify the sequence of events leading up to the incident at Grange-over-Sands at around 6.05am last Friday, March 22.
The train derailed after crossing over a section of unsupported track which gave way as the train passed.
The track had become unsupported because a cavity had opened in the embankment on which the railway sits.
The train was travelling at 56mph when the accident occurred and the front three carriages of the six-carriage train derailed.
The train struck a wall situated at the top of the embankment following the derailment.
It remained upright and came to a standstill with the rear of the train around 31 metres beyond the cavity.
There were four staff and four passengers on the train when the accident occurred. They were safely evacuated and there were no injuries.
Significant damage was caused to the train and to railway infrastructure.
The Rail Accident Investigation branch said its investigation will also consider:
- the condition of the railway and nearby drainage
- the planning and management of relevant railway maintenance activities
- how the railway infrastructure at this location was managed in response to local flood risks
- any underlying management factors.
It will publish its findings, although it is not known when the investigation will be complete.
Passengers are experiencing significant upheaval due to the derailment as it is estimated repairs will take weeks.
