Uk Rail Accident Investigation Branch

Near Miss Between Passenger Train and Van at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, 25 September 2025

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published Safety Digest 04/2026 describing a near miss between a passenger train and a van near Millbrook, Bedfordshire, on 25 September 2025. The digest was published on 16 April 2026. RAIB decided not to undertake a full investigation because the safety learning either relates to compliance with existing rules and procedures, or has been or will be addressed by prior or ongoing recommendations.

HGV Near Miss With Train at York Street, Belfast - March 2026

On 20 March 2026 at approximately 16:40, an HGV travelling northbound on the M2 motorway in Belfast collided with another road vehicle, left the carriageway, and breached the containment barrier separating the motorway from the parallel Belfast to Derry-Londonderry railway line. The HGV entered the railway cess adjacent to the up line, where it came to rest just clear of passing trains. Train B749, the 15:51 service from Larne Town to Belfast, approached the location; the driver applied brakes and passed the HGV at approximately 26 km/h without striking it. The HGV driver was injured in the initial road collision, and the incursion caused damage to the HGV, containment barrier, fencing, and railway infrastructure. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has opened an independent investigation to examine the management of road vehicle incursion risk at this location, the strategy for controlling such risk in Northern Ireland, and underlying management factors.

Hopetown Junction Derailment Safety Digest

RAIB published Safety Digest 03/2026 regarding a derailment at Hopetown Junction, Darlington, on 31 January 2026. The digest was issued on 15 April 2026. RAIB determined not to undertake a full investigation because the safety learning either relates to compliance with existing rules, procedures or standards, or has been addressed by a previous recommendation or ongoing investigation elsewhere. The digest shares important safety messages from the incident with the rail industry.

Derailment at Denbigh Hall South Junction, 26 June 2025

An out-of-service passenger train travelling at 15 mph (24 km/h) derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction on the West Coast Main Line on 26 June 2025. The train was making a wrong-direction movement over the junction when it derailed on switch diamond points that were in an unsafe position. No injuries occurred but damage was caused to the train and railway infrastructure. RAIB has made four recommendations addressed to Network Rail, West Midlands Trains, and the Rail Safety and Standards Board, covering signalling staff training on wrong-direction movements, staff knowledge of switch diamond points, and potential Rule Book amendments to account for signals at danger near the start of wrong-direction movements.

Cambridge Junction Overspeed, 11th December 2025

Rail Accident Investigation Branch published Safety Digest 02/2026 on 15 April 2026 concerning an overspeed incident at Cambridge Junction, Hertfordshire, on 11 December 2025. RAIB determined not to undertake a full investigation because the safety learning either has been covered by a previous recommendation or will be addressed by an ongoing investigation, or mainly relates to compliance with existing rules, procedures, or standards. The digest serves to rapidly share important safety messages with the railway industry rather than pursue formal investigation and recommendations.