Fatal Train Derailment in Aberdeenshire Deemed Avoidable
An inquiry has heard that a fatal train derailment in Aberdeenshire was "avoidable." The crash occurred at Carmont, near Stonehaven, on 12 August 2020, resulting in the deaths of the train's driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury.
The derailment was caused by the train striking debris that had been washed from a drain following heavy rainfall.
Inquiry Details and Network Rail's Failings
Alex Prentice KC, representing the Crown, addressed the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) and stated that Network Rail had "acknowledged their failings, in the course of the criminal prosecution and this inquiry." He added:
"Sadly, this was an avoidable tragedy."
During his closing submissions, Prentice highlighted that the drainage system had not been installed in accordance with its design specifications and that health and safety files related to the system had not been retained.
He proposed several precautions for Sheriff Lesley Johnston to consider, emphasizing that had these measures been implemented, the outcome might have been different.
Network Rail's Response and Legal Consequences
In 2023, Network Rail was fined £6.7 million after admitting to a series of failings that contributed to the deaths.
Peter Gray KC, representing Network Rail, told the inquiry that the events of 12 August had "shaken the train operator to its core."
The FAI, held at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, heard that Network Rail had undertaken "extensive steps" following the derailment, which had exposed a number of "shortcomings" within the organization.
Inquiry Proceedings
Evidence for the inquiry was presented earlier in the year, with closing submissions currently being conducted remotely.
