UK Probes Passenger Train Derailment in Essex After 62 Escape Injury

Britain’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation into the derailment of a Greater Anglia passenger train in Essex, two weeks after the incident left all 62 people on board without injuries.

The train derailed at around 2:08pm on August 14 while travelling from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street at approximately 77mph. The incident occurred about 2.1 miles (3.4km) south-east of Wickford station.

According to the RAIB, the train consisted of two Class 720 electric multiple units, each made up of five vehicles. The rearmost vehicle derailed, with its wheels subsequently running along the sleepers and ballast for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km).

Despite the distance travelled after the derailment and the train's speed, none of the 62 people on board was injured. Investigators are now examining the circumstances that caused the derailment and will assess the condition of the train, track and other relevant factors.

The investigation is expected to establish the cause of the incident and determine whether any safety recommendations are necessary to prevent similar derailments in the future. #UK