UK Lumo train went over three times the speed limit
A Lumo train travelled at more than three times the maximum speed as it passed Peterborough station last month, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). Some passengers were thrown from their seats, and luggage items fell from the overhead storage, resulting in number of minor injuries.
On 17 April 2022, the 08:20 train from Newcastle to King’s Cross passed over three sets of points at the north end of Peterborough station at a speed of 75 mph (121 km/h). This was above the maximum permitted speed for these points of 25 mph (40 km/h). The high speed resulted in the train suddenly lurching sideways.
The train subsequently came to a halt beyond the far end of Peterborough station. No damage was caused to either the infrastructure of the railway, or to the vehicle involved. A relatively new railway undertaking Lumo started operations in the UK in October last year.
Shifting tracks
The Lumo train was not supposed to call at Peterborough station, and was originally been approaching the station on a fast line. It was however routed onto a slower line via the points where the breeching of the speed limit occurred. The reroute onto this slower line was being displayed on the signal situated on the approach to the points.
The RAIB will further investigate how the incident happened, taking into account the way in which the train was driven, any factors which may have influenced the actions of the driver of the train. Also the condition of the signalling system at the time of the incident will be investigated, as well as any underlying management factors and the nature of the reported injuries by passengers.
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