A report released by the Rail Accidents Investigation Branch (RAIB) has shed light on a harrowing incident that occurred in April 2022, revealing the grave risks involved. A Lumo train en route to London King’s Cross narrowly avoided overturning after passing over Spital Junction, north of Peterborough, at a speed of 76mph—more than double the speed limit of 30mph, which further reduces to 25mph. Passengers were thrown from their seats and struck by falling luggage, resulting in injuries.
Fortunately, no passengers sustained serious harm during the incident. However, the RAIB report emphasized that the outcome could have been far worse. The train was deemed to be “close to a speed that would have led to it overturning.” The report further suggested that some of the wheels of the train may have lifted off the rails. Falling luggage was responsible for roughly half of the passenger injuries.
