How devastating are the findings of the report?
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch, a relatively new body, had been expected to do little more than confirm the basic facts of the crash. But it has reached firm early conclusions about the crucial role of the points. The apparently appalling state of this cross-over section of the line seems to have been plain for the investigators to see. Their report is factual, and does not at this stage apportion blame, but it is far worse than Network Rail’s bosses could have feared. What happens now? This is just the beginning of the investigation. The interim report has answered the question, how did this happen? Now the investigators will want to know why it happened. Network Rail boss John Armitt will face difficult questions They will be identifying track workers and their managers who may have had contact with the points. Some will no doubt be interviewed under caution in the presence of the British Transport Police. Network Rail keeps detailed records of its work, and these will be sei
