TSSA welcomes Network Rail guilty plea over Carmont

TSSA, today, welcomed news that Network Rail have admitted responsibility over the train derailment at Carmont which caused the death of three people. 

The tragedy occurred on 12 August 2020 when the 06:38 train from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street hit a landslip and derailed. Network Rail have admitted failing to impose a speed restriction, or to warn the driver that the track was unsafe, as well as failures in maintenance and inspection. The landslip was caused by a faulty drainage system which had not been adequately inspected. 

TSSA Organising Director Nadine Rae said, “I’m pleased that Network Rail have taken responsibility for their mistakes which led to the tragic events at Carmont.  

 “It is now imperative that Network Rail implement the recommendations in the RAIB report, for which they are responsible in full, to prevent a similar accident from happening.

 “It’s clear that, rather than cuts to maintenance, further investment is required in the railway, including preparation for the effects of climate change.

 “It’s important that we understand that this is a corporate failing by Network Rail. No blame should be attributed to our brilliant members, who do their best to keep the railway safe at all times, and who continued to work throughout the pandemic.

 “TSSA has been fully involved in the inquiries and we will continue to work with Network Rail, and to hold them to account where necessary, to ensure that we get the safe, reliable railway we all need.

 “I hope that today’s plea brings some measure of comfort and closure to the survivors of the crash, and to the friends and family of those who so sadly lost their lives that day.”

TSSA represents clerical, supervisory, technical and management grades employed by Network Rail. We do this on both a collective and individual basis.

TSSA has a strong network of union representatives across Network Rail. Our reps are there to support members in the workplace and ensure your voice is heard at all levels of the company.