17/10/2005

No criminal charges over Potters Bar rail crash

There will be no manslaughter charges brought over the Potters Bar rail crash, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.

The CPS said that there was no “realistic prospect of conviction” for charges of gross negligence manslaughter against any staff from operators Railtrack – now Network Rail – and engineering firm, Jarvis, or the firms.

Seven people – six passengers and one pedestrian were killed and more than 70 injured after a train derailed at Potters Bar station in Hertfordshire in May 2002.

A report published by the Health and Safety Executive in 2003 said that poorly maintained points had caused the accident.

The report also ruled out sabotage, saying that no solid evidence had been found to suggest any deliberate interference.

The CPS said that the case would be referred to the Health and Safety Executive, to determine whether any charges can be brought under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

(KMcA/SP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
27 April 2004
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
24 October 2003
'Fundamental review' sees rail maintenance brought in-house
Network Rail has announced that it is to bring rail maintenance activity back in-house, and so unify the operation and maintenance of Britain's rail infrastructure. Today’s announcement represents the "most fundamental restructuring" of Britain’s railway since British Rail was reorganised in 1994, two years before privatisation.