The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has released a statement after a train derailment in Darlington last month.
At around 13:19 on the 31st January 2026, a passenger train derailed and then re-railed itself at Hopetown Junction, just outside North Road (Darlington) station.
The train was heading from the Darlington North Road Goods Loop Line to Shildon via Hopetown Junction.
The train crew were initially unaware that the train had derailedand continued to Shildon, where the driver was made aware of the derailment
Investigation of the train and track had found that a number of wheelsets had derailed and rerailed themself at Hopetown Junction.
The RAIB says that they have completed a preliminary examination and are going to publish a safety digest…
At around 13:19 on 31 January 2026, a passenger train derailed and then rerailed at Hopetown Junction, near to Darlington North Road station, County Durham.We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.
RAIB Spokesperson
Responses
I was on this train. It was a horrible feeling . When we crossed the points after leaving Hopewood,60163 Tornado facility, we crossed the points with a right bang. It was scary..