Probe launched into 'dangerous occurrence' on Calderdale railway line

The government’s railway accident investigation branch has launched the probe into what it has described as a “near miss” involving two trains in Todmorden last month.

It says at around 10.28pm on May 7, the driver of an out-of-service passenger train, operated by Northern, was given permission by the signaller to move their train closer to a signal on Todmorden West Curve.

But, the branch says the driver was not aware that their train was already standing with its driving cab beyond this signal.

"This resulted in the train making an uncontrolled movement towards Todmorden Viaduct Junction,” says the branch.

"The driver realised what had happened and brought their train to a stop close to the junction.

"Around 12 seconds after the out-of-service train came to a stop, the 9.57pm Manchester Victoria to Leeds passenger service, also operated by Northern, passed through the junction at about 45 mph. This service had just left Todmorden station.

"There were no injuries or damage caused as a result of the incident, which occurred during a period of revised working arrangements that had temporarily increased the number of shunting movements involving Todmorden West Curve.

"Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the near miss.”