15 April 2005
Sabotage was 'highly unlikely' to be the reason for the fatal Potters Bar train tragedy, the latest report into the crash has concluded.
But the three-year inquiry by the Rail Safety and Standards Board failed to clear up the mystery behind the crash. It found there was 'no conclusive evidence of any one cause' of the fatal derailment in May 2002 – but pointed to flawed maintenance procedures as a likely cause.
The train, travelling from London's King's Cross to Kings Lynn at close to 100mph, derailed as it passed over points, which were missing bolts. Six passengers were killed as well as one pedestrian. A further 76 people were injured at the Hertfordshire station.
Jarvis, the contractor responsible for maintenance of the track, had cited sabotage as a reason for the crash.
However, the board was not convinced. 'The possibility of a malicious act cannot be ruled out, although the panel considers this to be highly unlikely,' it concluded.
A separate Health and Safety Executive report in 2003 had ruled out sabotage.
Len Porter, chief executive of the board, said the crash was caused by 'a combination of mechanical and human issues, plus a lack of proper maintenance procedure'.
The board questioned the method used to secure nuts on certain parts of the track, which 'has been shown to contribute to their loosening and could have been a factor in this case'.
It made 29 recommendations for the train industry to consider. These included reviews of the frequency of maintenance operations and the way in which track defects are reported.
It also urged a better process for the way complaints from the public are handled over 'rough ride' stretches of track.
The report could prompt a public inquiry into the crash.
The Crown Prosecution Service is still considering whether to prosecute Jarvis or Network Rail for corporate manslaughter over the crash. Until the CPS decides, the government has ruled out ordering a public inquiry.
PFapr2005
