At around 0610 on 3 November 2025, a passenger train travelling from Glasgow Central to London Euston derailed after striking a landslip around 3 miles (5 km) south of Shap, Cumbria. The train was travelling at around 83 mph (134 km/h) when it struck debris that had been washed onto the track. This lifted the first bogie off the rails and to the right, where it ran derailed for around 560 metres. There were 9 staff and 86 passengers on board the train at the time of the collision.
Four people were treated for minor injuries as a result of the accident, and damage was caused to the train and to railway infrastructure.
The landslip occurred during a period of heavy and sustained rainfall. RAIB’s preliminary examination found that a drainage channel, which runs across the slope above the washed-out material, was unable to accommodate the volume of water which was present. This led to the slope material below becoming saturated, initiating the landslip.
Our investigation will determine the sequence of events which led to the derailment and will include consideration of
- the design, maintenance and management of earthworks and drainage in this area
- the effectiveness of on-site monitoring equipment
- the operational response to adverse weather warnings
- the performance of the train during the derailment
- any underlying factors which might have contributed to the derailment.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
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