An initial investigation has found that a Greater Anglia train derailed near Wickford, Essex, after encountering a reported “kink” or misalignment in the track. The rear carriage remained upright but was dragged off the rails for around 1.5 miles, causing major disruption; no one among the 62 passengers was injured.

The Southend-to-London Liverpool Street service derailed on 14 August, and CCTV reportedly showed track misalignment where the driver had raised concerns. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch will examine track maintenance, hot-weather precautions, the actions of those involved and the train’s performance; the incident also damaged track, signalling and overhead equipment.