Professor Xueyu Geng responds to findings of a fatal accident inquiry into the tragic Stonehaven derailment

Professor Xueyu Geng, Professor in Ground Engineering at the University of Warwick, responds to the findings of a fatal accident inquiry into the tragic 2020 Stonehaven derailment, which identified an incorrectly-built drain as the cause.

"The findings highlight the fundamental importance of properly designed and constructed drainage systems in ensuring railway safety. Railway earthworks must support substantial static and dynamic loads from passing trains, and inadequate drainage can allow water to accumulate in the soil, increasing pore-water pressure and reducing its strength and stability. This is particularly critical during periods of intense rainfall, when water infiltration can compromise the stability of railway embankments and track infrastructure.

"Importantly, this case highlights that having an appropriate engineering design is not sufficient on its own. It must be correctly implemented during construction, followed by effective inspection, maintenance and monitoring throughout the infrastructure’s operational life to ensure that drainage systems continue to function as intended.

"Looking ahead, climate change and the increasing challenges associated with extreme weather events make this even more important. Railway infrastructure must be designed, managed and maintained with sufficient resilience to cope with changing rainfall patterns and increasingly challenging weather conditions. This requires a proactive, whole-life approach to managing railway earthworks and drainage infrastructure to safeguard the long-term safety and resilience of the railway network."