Relief for family as Network Rail admits guilt over Grayrigg crash

THE family of a Scottish pensioner who died in the Grayrigg train derailment have welcomed a decision by Network Rail to plead guilty to health and safety breaches leading up to the crash.

Margaret Masson, 84, from Glasgow, died from multiple injuries after a Virgin Pendolino London to Glasgow express train crashed on the West Coast Main Line near the Cumbrian village of Grayrigg on 23 February, 2007.

Network Rail (NR) is facing an unlimited fine after admitting breaching health and safety law, following criminal proceedings started by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

The 300-tonne locomotive derailed at 95mph after hitting a faulty set of points, with all nine carriages of the Class 390 tilting train coming off the tracks.

A further 86 passengers and two crew were injured, 28 seriously.

The firm’s lawyers appeared at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court yesterday for breaching health and safety law, following criminal proceedings started by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

Stretcher bars holding the moveable rails a set distance apart when the points are operated failed, causing the train to derail.

Network Rail chief executive David Higgins said: “The Grayrigg derailment in 2007, resulting in the tragic death of Mrs Masson, was a terrible event.

“Within hours of the event it was clear that we were responsible, that the infrastructure was at fault, so it is right that we plead guilty.

“We again apologise to Mrs Masson’s family for the undoubted grief this has caused them.”

George Masson, 62, the son of Margaret Masson, left court with his mother’s brother, William Devlin, 70, who had travelled from Scotland.

Mr Masson, an engineer of Castlemilk, Glasgow, said: “I knew from day one they would be guilty.

“I’m relieved they have admitted it, but sad they could not apologise face to face, not just through the media.

“My heart has deteriorated so much since all this, the stress and anxiety. Tears welled up when I was sat in court, just the mention of my mum.

“I’m happy this will come to an end now; it’s took five long years,” he went on.

“Network Rail have never learned their lesson; there was another derailment a couple of weeks ago, at a rail crossing someone was killed.

“They’ve done track inspections and safety checks and everything else, but we have seen how they operate at the inquest.”

A spokesman for the Office of Rail Regulation said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Mrs Masson and all those involved in this incident. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible.”

The crash occurred five years ago this month.

The hearing took just five minutes for NR to admit it was at fault. Prashant Popat, QC, representing the firm, said he was authorised to enter a guilty plea.

The case was sent to Preston Crown Court, where NR will face an unlimited fine when sentence is passed on 2 April.