STORY
An out-of-service London Northwestern Railway passenger train derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction on the West Coast Main Line on 26 June 2025, prompting an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred around 12:27 PM, saw the front bogie of the train come off the tracks on a switch diamond crossing while travelling north at approximately 15 mph (24 km/h), shortly after leaving Bletchley station. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the four staff members on board the train. However, the derailment led to significant disruption, with some lines through the crucial junction remaining out of service until 4:05 PM on 29 June 2025, to allow for train recovery and infrastructure repairs.
Initial findings indicate the train had experienced a technical fault earlier, preventing it from departing southwards from Bletchley’s platform 4. While it could be driven northwards from the opposite end, the usual signalled route was blocked by a failed on-track machine. Consequently, staff at Rugby Rail Operating Centre authorised the train to travel in the wrong direction on the up (southbound) slow line. This “wrong direction movement” meant the signaller had to instruct the driver to pass a signal at danger, operating without the standard protection typically provided by the signalling interlocking system.
The intention was for the train to then cross onto the down slow line at the junction and resume normal signal control for its journey northwards to the Kings Heath depot near Northampton. The RAIB’s investigation will delve into the sequence of events leading to the derailment, examining the actions of those involved, the procedures for determining and validating “out of course” movements, and the management, training and assessment of staff undertaking such manoeuvres. Any underlying factors contributing to the incident will also be considered.
The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any conducted by the railway industry or its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road. Its findings, along with any recommendations to enhance safety, will be published upon the conclusion of the inquiry.