UK Rail Safety: Felixstowe Freight Incident Insights for Professionals

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Introduction

In May 2024, the UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) released its report on a safety incident involving a freight train at the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk, England. The incident occurred on December 21, 2023, and involved a train operated by GB Railfreight (GBRf).

Incident Overview

The RAIB investigation focused on a freight train that was running from Ipswich to the Port of Felixstowe. At around 17:50 on December 21, 2023, the train ran past a signal at danger and subsequently collided with the buffer stops at the end of the line at Berth 7 in the Port of Felixstowe. The train was carrying 30 loaded containers. The investigation found that the train was travelling at approximately 15 mph (24 km/h) when it passed the signal at danger and the speed was reduced to approximately 10 mph (16 km/h) just before the collision.

Investigation Findings

The RAIB determined that the train driver had not realised that the signal was at danger. The investigation found that the driver had been distracted by a phone call shortly before the incident. The RAIB also found that the signal sighting was difficult due to the angle of the approach to the signal and the poor lighting conditions. The report highlighted that the driver’s actions were a key factor, along with the difficult signal sighting. The RAIB also examined the performance of the train’s safety systems and found no faults.

Recommendations and Actions

As a result of the incident, the RAIB has made several recommendations. These include improvements to signal sighting at the Port of Felixstowe and a review of driver training and procedures for responding to signals at danger. The RAIB also recommended that GBRf review its safety management system, with a focus on driver distraction. Network Rail has been asked to assess and improve the visibility of signals. The RAIB has also highlighted the importance of robust safety measures to prevent such incidents, particularly on routes used by freight trains.

Previous Incidents

In a separate incident on September 28, 2023, a freight train, also operated by GBRf, ran past a signal at danger near Ely, Cambridgeshire. The RAIB investigated this incident as well, but it was not directly related to the Felixstowe event.

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Conclusion

The RAIB’s investigation into the incident at the Port of Felixstowe concluded that the primary cause was driver error, compounded by environmental factors. The report offers several recommendations aimed at improving safety. The incidents highlight the need for continuous vigilance and robust safety measures to prevent similar events involving freight trains.

Company Summary

GB Railfreight (GBRf): A UK-based rail freight operator.

Network Rail: The owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

Port of Felixstowe: A major container port located in Suffolk, England.

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