Ramsgate passenger collision

The Ramsgate passenger collision was a collision between a Class 156 unit 156484 and a passenger on August 9th 2011, at approximately 1943 BST.

Activities preceding up to the accident
At 1941 BST, a man carrying a large box fell onto the line at the end of Platform 2. It is thought that he was giving the box to engineers. The box immediately fell out of his hands, and by 1943 BST it was gone. At 1942 BST, 156484 departed Ramsgate Airport Railway Station.

The accident
The train driver became aware of the man on the line at 1943 BST, turning over Points 11. Unfortunately, the man was too close, that Emergency Brakes could not stop the train in time. It is also thought that the Emergency Brakes could not stop the train due to it speeding. The man was unable to move off the line in time. He was instantly killed, and the 156 continued running, derailed, before smashing into Platform 4. The speed at the time of the accident was 40mph, 25mph over the 15mph speed limit arriving into the bay platforms.

Investigation
The investigation begun at 2153 BST. Shortly after, at 2230 BST, the investigators had found that the train had derailed slightly while leaving Ramsgate Airport Railway Station. This could have also been a factor as to why the train was rattling so badly, and why the emergency brakes could not stop the train in time. Investigators are now investigating the line at Ramsgate Airport. The loco-hauled service may be affected due to a restricted service. Northern has said they will run the train in the opposite direction while RAIB start an investigation as to where the leading bogie derailed, outside Ramsgate Bus Station.

Return to service
The infrastructure was un-damaged. The train was recovered late on August 15th, with a normal service resuming a day later