Salisbury train crash: Rail firms step up fight against leaves on line
It's a year since two passenger trains collided at Fisherton Tunnel
Last updated 31st Oct 2022
Rail firms say they're strengthening their fight against leaves on the line a year on from the Salisbury train crash
A South Western Railway service and a Great Western Railway service collided at the entrance to Fisherton Tunnel on the 31st October 2021 leaving 13 passengers hurt and the South Western driver with life changing injuries.
An interim report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) revealed 'low adhesion between wheels and track' was the most likely cause, most often caused by leaves on the line.
The SWR service was unable to stop despite the driver using the brake and crashed into the side of the GWR service causing both to derail.
Analysis of the tracks after the collision found that "many areas had a medium or heavy level of contamination" by crushed leaves.
The RAIB also found the planned deployment of a rail head treatment train (RHHT) to tackle leaves on the line was delayed because of nearby engineering work.
Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) say "leaf-busting" trains will run more regularly this autumn with key parts of the railway will be treated twice every 24 hours.
The fleet of special trains are armed with high-power water jets to blast this ‘leaf mulch’ off the tracks, with jets powerful enough to cut steel.
High Definition cameras on the treatment trains are also being trialled to help identify hot spots.
More sand will be laid on tracks to increase grip and they'll new signage for train drivers to alert them to problem areas and sand
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said:
"Last year's collision at Salisbury is a stark reminder of the very real risk autumn presents to the railway and the need for us to constantly evolve our approach to managing leaf fall.
For the past year we’ve been working to create new and innovative solutions to protect our passengers and keep trains running reliably throughout autumn."
SWR managing director, Claire Mann, said leaves on the line caused real challenges every autumn.
“The safety of our customers and colleagues is our number one priority, so we are constantly reviewing and updating our autumn action plans to embrace new technology and safely keep our customers moving.
“Every autumn leaves on the line cause real challenges for the railway and we’re working tirelessly in partnership with Network Rail to mitigate the problems they cause.
“The incident in Fisherton Tunnel was one of my most challenging days on the railway and it is important all parties work together to reduce the risk of it happening again.”