Faulty drainage contributed to fatal Carmont derailment, sheriff concludes

A Scottish sheriff has concluded that the 2020 Carmont train derailment, which killed three people and injured six, could have been avoided if a drainage system had been built to its design. Heavy rain washed debris from the defective drain onto the track, where it was struck by the train.

The drain, built by Carillion in 2011 and 2012, differed from its design in several ways, including its piping, materials and an added ridge that impeded water flow. The inquiry found Network Rail had failed to ensure the work was completed properly and that accurate drawings of the finished drain were supplied. Network Rail was fined £6.7 million in 2023 after admitting health and safety failings; the sheriff made no further recommendations, noting that most of 20 earlier safety recommendations had been implemented.