RMT - National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

04/19/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/19/2021 08:00

RMT response to RAIB interim report into Carmont tragedy

Following the Rail Accident Investigation Branch's interim report on the tragedy at Carmont on 12th August 2020, where six vehicles of a passenger train derailed after striking a landslip, killing three and injuring six, RMT believes that the RAIB seems to be taking Network Rail's commitments on expertise at face value.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash stated that:

'The tragic loss of life and damage at Carmont sets out that there are clear deficiencies in Network Rail's approach to the effects of severe weather and its effects on the ageing rail infrastructure. Network Rail must learn from this incident and take the necessary steps to ensure that they are preventing incidents from happening.

'That means a robust and regular inspection, maintenance and improvement programme that means our railway infrastructure is fit for a future where extreme weather may become more regular and more challenging. We need a well-maintained railway that will need a hands-on approach to maintenance and improvements and not just leaving matters to predictions and forecasts.

'Rail resilience issues are a serious concern to RMT and we have tried to engage with Network Rail in Scotland in a proactive manner to ensure the safety of the travelling public and railway staff.'