Report into Royston company’s tanker crash published
AN investigation into a collision between a train and a Royston company’s sewage tanker found the driver crossed the tracks when it was not safe.
The JK Environmental Services tanker, driven by Arvydas Bartasius, used an unmanned crossing near Sudbury, Suffolk in August last year – but did not phone ahead to contact the signaller before driving on to the track.
A passenger train was in collision with the tanker and was derailed, injuring 21 people – the train driver and four others were seriously hurt.
The Rail Accident Investigation Board probed the incident and a report issued by the body stated: “The RAIB investigation identified that the tanker driver drove on to Sewage Works Lane crossing when it was not safe to do so.
“He had not used the telephone provided to contact the signaller before driving on to the crossing, although it was a requirement to do so, and that he did not see (and may not have looked for) the approaching train.”
The investigation also found the firm had not been briefed by the authorised user of the crossing, Anglian Water, on how staff could use it safely, and that long waiting times led to a high level of “non compliance”.
Sara Powell-Davies of British Gas, which has purchased the company since the accident last year, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and since the acquisition of this business, all engineers have gone through the British Gas health and safety change programme.
Most Read
- 1 New mayor elected in historic moment for Royston Town Council
- 2 Therfield pub celebrates lockdown heroes
- 3 Iceland offers over 60s discount on shopping bill every week
- 4 World IBD Day: Crohn's disease sufferer speaks out
- 5 Stalking Protection Order issued to Herts man after obsessive behaviour towards ex
- 6 Beer from Lidl and vegan chocolates among items recalled over safety fears
- 7 Garden centre to host royal treat for Queen's Platinum Jubilee
- 8 Met Office weather: Yellow storm and flood warning for East of England
- 9 Royston Methodists welcome leading figures to church
- 10 Family-run bridalwear shop closes down after 23 years
“We will now be reviewing the findings of the RAIB report in full.”
In November 2010 Bartasius, of Littleport, was jailed for 15 months after admitting endangering safety on the railway.