Rail Accident Investigation Branch
At around 18:05 hrs on 29 September 2023, the steam locomotive Flying Scotsman collided with a set of stationary passenger coaches at Aviemore station. The collision occurred at approximately 7 mph (11 km/h). The part of Aviemore station where the collision happened is operated by the Strathspey Railway, which is a heritage railway.
The collision resulted in injuries being caused to a number of passengers and staff, with one passenger and one member of staff being taken to hospital. No rail vehicles derailed as a result of the accident, although some damage was caused to the vehicles involved.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events leading up to the accident. It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and anything that may have influenced them
- the management of the railway staff involved in the accident, including their training and competence
- the method of operation in use when the collision occurred and the policies and procedures in place for managing such operations
- the extent and type of any injuries and damage caused, and how they occurred
- any underlying management factors.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industrys regulator, the?Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
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