At around 06:43 hrs on 25 April 2024, a train travelling between Wolverhampton and London Euston struck part of a temporary road-rail vehicle access point which had been left on the track near to Kings Langley on the West Coast Main Line. Rail ballast and debris resulting from this collision then struck a second train which was travelling in the opposite direction on an adjacent line. Ballast also struck the platforms at Kings Langley station, which were at that time unoccupied. The temporary access point had been used during the previous night as part of rectification work to overhead line electrification equipment.
No one was injured as a result of the collision and neither train derailed. The damage caused to both trains meant they were unable to continue in service.
We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.
