THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has opened an investigation after a Class 80x GWR train hit debris from a failed wingwall which was part of a road bridge.
On February 10, the 17.34 London Paddington to Hereford was on the single line at Yarnton, between Oxford and Charlbury, travelling at around 55mph when it hit brick rubble. Although there was damage to the train, it did not derail.
Although Network Rail initially reopened the line on Sunday, February 12, it was closed again a few hours later after further movements were observed, and remained shut for a further nine days while an adjacent embankment was stabilised with steel piling and soil nailing.
The landslide had also exposed a gas main which presented an added complexity to overcome during the repairs.