HSE Press Release:E156:04 - 10 November 2004

Ufton Nervet derailment : HSE interim report

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today published an interim report following its investigation into the fatal derailment at Ufton level crossing on Saturday, 6 November 2004. Seven people were killed in the derailment, and thirty seven people were taken to hospital.

Steve Walker, HSE Assistant Chief Inspector of Railways, who led the investigation said:

"Inspectors from HSE's HM Railway Inspectorate began their investigations at the site on Saturday, 6 November. Our work focused on the railway aspects of the derailment and the report published today records a factual account of progress to date and details of current lines of inquiry. At this stage, the HSE investigators have not found any evidence to suggest that there were any errors by railway staff or faults with the level crossing, the signalling system or the train involved in the derailment. HSE completed its site investigation on Monday, 8 November.

HSE wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives."

'Train derailment at Ufton level crossing, near Ufton Nervet, Berkshire, HSE interim report' is on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/railways/uftonnervet/interim.pdf

Notes to editors

1. HSE is conducting its investigation into the railway aspects of the derailment at Ufton Automatic Half Barrier level crossing, Ufton Nervet, near Aldermaston in Berkshire in close co-operation with British Transport Police and Thames Valley Police.
2. HSE web page http://www.hse.gov.uk/railways/incidents/uftonnervet.htm
   has links to further information as well as the report published today.

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