UK: The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has published its report into a Merseyrail train comprising a pair of Class 507 EMUs hitting the buffer stop at Kirkby at around 47 km/h on March 13 2021.
RAIB found that the driver of the train did not apply the brakes in time, as he had been distracted by his mobile phone and by his bag falling onto the cab floor.
RAIB makes three recommendations in the report published on August 11. The first is addressed to RSSB and relates to research into devices to monitor the alertness and awareness of drivers. The second, addressed to Merseyrail and Network Rail, seeks to improve the risk assessment process for collisions with buffer stops at terminal platforms. The third asks Merseyrail to improve its fatigue management process to follow industry good practice.
RAIB also identified two learning points. The first reminds train drivers of the risks posed by using a mobile phone while driving a train. The second reminds train operating companies of the importance of understanding the limits of protection offered by the Train Protection & Warning System when risk-assessing terminal platforms.
The driver of the train pleaded guilty to endangering persons conveyed or being in or upon a railway by wilful omission or neglect at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on February 8 2022. The following month he was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, placed on an electronic curfew for three months and required to do 180 h of unpaid work in the community and pay £340 costs.
