Train Derailed as It Hits Debris by a Nottinghamshire Tunnel

Published 10th May 2012

The water run-off caused by heavy rain triggered a mudslide at Clarborough Tunnel in Nottinghamshire

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - A Northern Rail Class 142 “Pacer” has derailed after striking debris at the mouth of Clarborough Tunnel in Nottinghamshire. The debris had been washed down the cutting approaching the Tunnel onto the running line during intense rainfall.

The unit, 142091, was working a service between Lincoln Central and Adwick on April 27th, when it came to grief between Lincoln Central and Retford. The train remained upright, and no serious injuries were caused.

“Pacer” units, built by Leyland in 1985, are regularly referred to as “Bouncy Buses” thanks to their lack of suspension, and bench style seating. These trains have had a history of poor crashworthiness, and repeated calls have been made for them to be withdrawn from service.

The reason for this particular derailment being re-considered is that it is expected that a different class of train could probably have withstood this impact better, and not derailed.

Services between Lincoln Central and Retford were suspended for the rest of the day, with some services on April 28th running “wrong line” to avoid the stranded unit to allow a limited service along the affected route.

The Rail Accident Investigation attended the scene, and will release their findings shortly.

External Links

• Network Rail