Inquiry into Stonehaven Fatal Train Derailment to Commence

An announcement has been made that the initial phase of the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) concerning the Stonehaven train derailment, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals, is scheduled for next month. The Aberdeen to Glasgow service derailed at Carmont in 2020 after encountering a landslide caused by significant rainfall. The fatalities included driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62. Network Rail received a fine of £6.7 million last year, having acknowledged multiple failures that contributed to the fatalities. The fatal accident inquiry (FAI) proceedings are anticipated to commence with a preliminary hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in January. The decision to conduct a fatal accident inquiry into the collision had previously been communicated, with the objective of preventing future similar occurrences. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed that the preliminary hearing is set for 29 January. Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who oversees investigations into fatalities for COPFS, stated: “The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Christopher Stuchbury, Donald Dinnie and Brett McCullough occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern. This has been a highly complex and thorough large-scale investigation. The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff. While there have already been a number of lessons learned and industry-wide change made, an FAI will examine the full circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths, putting all relevant information into the public domain. The evidence will be tested in a public setting and be the subject of judicial determination.” He further commented: “Our thoughts remain with the families, and they will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.” The sheriff is responsible for establishing the schedule for the FAI. Network Rail admitted guilt to several maintenance and inspection deficiencies that predated the August 2020 crash. The company also acknowledged its failure to alert the driver that a section of the track was hazardous or to instruct him to decrease his speed. Lord Matthews, the presiding judge, remarked that no punitive measure could adequately compensate for the profound loss experienced by the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries. The train encountered a landslide close to Stonehaven following heavy rainfall in a location where a drainage system had been improperly fitted. The 06:38 service bound for Glasgow had been unable to complete its scheduled route because of the prevailing conditions and was in the process of returning to Aberdeen when the incident occurred. A recording of the driver’s communication revealed that he inquired with a signaller about the necessity of reduced speed for the return journey north. He received assurance that normal speed was permissible. The train then struck debris from a landslide on the railway track, subsequently derailing and colliding with a bridge parapet.