Network Rail fined for derailment

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A rail regulation spokesman said it was "pure good fortune" that no-one was killed in the derailment

Network Rail has been fined £70,000 after a train travelling at 90mph derailed in Norfolk because of a poorly maintained level crossing.

Network Rail admitted failing to ensure the health and safety of passengers, road workers and train crew at an earlier hearing at Norwich Crown Court.

The crash took place in the early hours of 12 September 2006 at Croxton level crossing, near Thetford.

No-one was killed or seriously injured in the crash.

Network Rail was also ordered to pay £25,000 costs.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) brought the prosecution against Network Rail.

Uneven panels

A spokesman for the ORR said that shortly before 0555 BST a lorry had dislodged a heavy rubber panel in the crossing surface which was then hit by at least two other vehicles.

One car was lifted and spun out of control after it hit the "ramp" created by the panel, the ORR said.

Shortly afterwards, the train hit the panel causing it to derail as it went over the crossing.

The car drivers, seven passengers and train crew were not hurt, but a train driver suffered minor injuries.

An investigation by the ORR's railway safety directorate found the panel was not supported by a sufficient number of sleepers.

Full responsibility

It also discovered Network Rail had missed a number of opportunities to re-space the sleepers despite being told about the loose panel, and that there was insufficient training for staff.

A post-incident inspection of the crossing also found a number of other uneven panels.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Network Rail takes full responsibility for what happened at Croxton on 12 September 2006.

"As ever, safety is a top priority for us and our record is good."

He added Network Rail had committed to install a "single-slab" concrete crossing deck at Croxton crossing by April 2010.