Latest on the Virgin Train Accident - Cumbria

The investigation continues after the train derailment at Grayrigg in Cumbria. The crash happened at approximately 20:15 hrs on 23 February 2007, involving the 17:15 hrs Virgin Pendolino train from London to Glasgow, the train derailed near Grayrigg in Cumbria. Following its derailment the train travelled a further 600 metres and came to rest on the side of the railway embankment.

One passenger suffered fatal injuries; 22 further persons on board the train, including the driver, were taken to hospital with injuries. Five of those persons remain in hospital and three are in critical condition. A significant number of others were walking wounded and received first aid on site.

The RAIB's initial report investigated the condition of the Lambrigg 2B points at the site of the derailment. Indications are that these points were the immediate cause of the derailment. No evidence has been found to date that indicates the driving of the train, the condition of the train or the signalling control system contributed to the accident.

The report concluded that the immediate cause of the accident was the condition of the stretcher bar arrangement at points 2B at Lambrigg crossover which resulted in the loss of gauge separation of the point switch blades.

This crash has similarities with the Potters Bar incident which occurred back in 2002, because the points will have been recently subject to maintenance and as a consequence, left in a situation where they were not fit for purpose. In May 2002, seven people died as a result of the Potters Bar derailment, where nuts were missing from a set of points and the lock stretcher bar fractured.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander told the House of Commons any recommendations for urgent safety improvements during the investigation into the derailment would be acted upon immediately. But the final report would take "some months to prepare", he added.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the crash please fill in our online claims form for free advice from one of our expert lawyers.

Compensation claims - Cumbria train accident

Irwin Mitchell Solicitors are currently representing a number of passengers of the Virgin Pendolino train from Cumbria to Glasgow which derailed near Grayrigg in Cumbria on 23 February 2007.

At approximately 8.15pm on 23 February the train derailed and following its derailment travelled a further 600 metres and came to rest on the side of the railway embankment.

One passenger suffered fatal injuries; 22 further persons on board the train, including the driver, were taken to hospital with injuries. A significant number of others were walking wounded and received first aid on site.

Initial investigations indicate that the condition of the Lambrigg 2B points at the site of the derailment were the immediate cause of the accident. No evidence has been found to date that indicates the driving of the train, the condition of the train or the signalling control system contributed to the accident.

Irwin Mitchell's dedicated and experienced team have previously represented victims of the Berkshire, Hatfield, Kings Cross, Ladbroke Grove, Paddington and Selby rail disasters.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the crash please fill in our online claims form for free advice from one of our expert lawyers.