§ Mr. HoramTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the collision of two Connex South Eastern trains outside Hither Green station on 12 March. [153755]
§ Mr. HillAt 08.30am on Monday 12 March, the 07.58am Connex South Eastern Sevenoaks to Cannon Street passenger train passed a signal at danger at Hither Green. It continued for approximately half a mile before running through points which were set for the 08.08am Connex South Eastern Crayford to Cannon Street passenger train. A collision then occurred with the front of the Crayford train striking the side of the Sevenoaks train. There was no derailment, but both trains sustained superficial damage.
Four people were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The traction current was isolated to allow passengers to begin to leave the train at 10.00am. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) were at the scene and have confirmed that the collision was caused by the driver of the Sevenoaks train passing a signal at danger (SPAD).
All serious SPADs are thoroughly investigated by HMRI and the rail industry. Further details of this incident will be reported in a future edition of HSE's monthly SPAD report, copies of which are placed in both House Libraries each month.
Initial indications suggest that this incident would have been prevented by the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS). Regulations made under this Government require that TPWS be installed across the network by the end of 2003.