Network Rail admits causing Cumbria rail crash

The derailment of a train at Grayrigg in Cumbria last February was responsibility of Network Rail, according to a final report released today by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

Network Rail blamed the failure of its infrastructure as the cause, which proved fatal with the death of a pensioner and nearly 90 other passengers being injured.

All nine carriages of the Class 390 Pendolino Virgin West Coast train from London Euston to Glasgow were derailed at Lambrigg, near Grayrigg in Cumbria, while travelling at the authorised speed of 95mph.

The RAIB issued urgent safety advice to the industry as a result of the emerging findings from the investigation.

Advice was sent to Nexus, Manchester Metrolink, as well as Network Rail, who all use similar design of 2B points, which had degraded at Grayrigg.