Signaller 'Compliant' with Rules Before Fatal Stonehaven Derailment, Inquiry Told
A signaller who instructed a train driver to proceed at normal speed just minutes before a catastrophic derailment near Stonehaven was "entirely compliant" with the operational rules in force at the time, a fatal accident inquiry has heard. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 12, 2020, resulted in the deaths of three individuals after the train struck gravel washed onto the track by torrential rain.
Details of the Carmont Derailment
Train 1T08 derailed at Carmont, close to Stonehaven, after colliding with a substantial pile of gravel that had been deposited on the railway line by severe rainfall. The impact caused the train to subsequently strike a bridge parapet. Of the nine people on board, three lost their lives:
- Train driver Brett McCullough, aged 45
- Conductor Donald Dinnie, aged 58
- Passenger Christopher Stuchbury, aged 62
The inquiry at Aberdeen Sheriff Court was informed that the signaller involved had been adhering strictly to Network Rail's established rulebook when they directed the driver to maintain standard "line" speed shortly before the accident. This instruction was given despite eastern Scotland experiencing rainfall of a magnitude described as once-in-a-century.
Network Rail's Testimony on Rulebook Adherence
Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland's route director, who served as head of operations delivery at the time of the crash, provided evidence to the inquiry. He emphasised that there was "no flexibility" regarding the application of the rulebook, which he characterised as the "safety gospel" for network operations, fundamentally designed to ensure maximum safety.
"In my opinion, the signaller on the day entirely complied with the rulebook," Mr Moran stated. He further noted that while staff could theoretically request permission to deviate from the rules if deemed necessary, in his approximately twenty years of railway experience, he could not "personally recollect any scenario... where the rulebook has not been followed."
Substantial Safety Reforms Implemented Since the Tragedy
Paul Ashton, former head of operations, principles and standards at Network Rail during the incident, also gave evidence. He detailed the significant changes the organisation has enacted in response to the crash. These reforms include enhanced systems for monitoring and responding to extreme weather events and revisions to the decision-making framework.
Critically, a new clause has been incorporated into the rulebook. Mr Ashton explained this addition "allows us to do things other than what's prescribed in the rulebook, mainly if there's a gap, or if applying the rule makes it less safe."
Recollections of a Chaotic Day on the Network
Mr Moran recounted the events of August 12, 2020, describing it as an exceptionally demanding day. He awoke early to his phone alerting him to "multiple" incidents across the network due to the intense rainfall.
"There were multiple incidents on the day affecting multiple lines and routes, so communication channels were under a good deal of pressure," he told the inquiry. "It was possibly the busiest day I think I can ever recall in respect of incidents requiring to be managed."
He later travelled to the accident site in the afternoon to offer welfare support to staff assisting at the scene, though he noted he had no direct operational involvement in the incident's management.
Aftermath and Ongoing Inquiry
In a subsequent criminal prosecution, Network Rail was fined £6.7 million in 2023 after admitting to health and safety failings related to the crash. A Network Rail spokesperson reiterated the company's commitment to supporting the inquiry and implementing recommendations from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
"We've made significant changes to how we manage the risk of severe weather since the accident and our work to make our network more resilient will continue," the spokesperson stated.
The fatal accident inquiry, presided over by Sheriff Lesley Johnson, continues as it examines the full circumstances surrounding the derailment.
