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RAIB finds track irregularity linked to Lewes derailment
The RAIB said CCTV showed the irregularity in track geometry just before the train left the tracks at the Landport area of Lewes during hot, dry weather.
A defect investigation by the UK Rail Accident Investigation Branch found an “irregularity” in the railway tracks near Lewes, at the site where a Southern Rail train derailed and left 30 people injured, according to a report.
The RAIB said it has received several reports of rough riding from passengers on other trains at the derailment location. It also said CCTV from a service that passed the site at 14:04 BST showed the irregularity with the track geometry just before the train came off the tracks.
The 14:24 service from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed in the Landport area of Lewes at about 15:54 BST. The train was travelling at around 65 mph and the driver had begun to brake approaching the site, the report said.
The RAIB update also pointed to the derailment occurring during sustained hot and dry weather, saying the clay embankment and material underneath are sensitive to changes in moisture content and may move. The investigation will consider how the track section was inspected and maintained, the condition and maintenance of the embankment, weather conditions, and how effective hot weather mitigation measures were.