The sentencing of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited at Leicester Crown Court follows an Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) investigation into the incident. On the morning of 1 February 2008, a lorry delivering to a Network Rail construction site near Barrow upon Soar station in Leicestershire struck a footbridge over the railway. The footbridge collapsed, blocking the rail line, and shortly afterwards a Nottingham to Norwich train, travelling at 105km/h, crashed into the debris and derailed.
Six passengers were on board the train at the time of the collision and suffered minor injuries and shock. The injured train driver had to be freed from his cab by the emergency services.
ORR’s investigation found that Network Rail had failed to properly plan, manage, and supervise the deliveries of bulk material to its worksite. In this instance, the lorry that struck and demolished the footbridge was allowed to drive along the site with its tipper body raised.
ORR’s deputy chief inspector of railways Allan Spence said: “Network Rail’s poor planning and management of the construction site at Barrow upon Soar station placed the public, passengers and railway staff in great danger. Given the circumstances it is very fortunate that no one on the train was seriously injured and that no one was crossing the footbridge when it collapsed. It is essential that incidents such as this never happen again. Since the time of this accident, Network Rail has made significant progress, acting on our recommendations to improve safety at its construction sites."
