Rail accident investigation teams will continue working through pandemic

Coronavirus: Rail Accident Investigate Board (RAIB) will continue working through the coronavirus emergency, says Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents

These are difficult times for everyone, including those in the railway industry. Although RAIB offices have effectively closed, our teams continue to work from home and, when essential, on railway premises.

All our usual investigative functions are continuing; deployments to site when necessary, evidence gathering, analysis and testing, report production, consultation and publication.

The railway industry should continue to notify RAIB of accidents and incidents in accordance with the Railways (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2005, by the normal means, and we will respond to this information as usual.

However, in accordance with Government guidance, we will seek to minimise contact between our staff and others. As such, site activity will be limited to that which is absolutely necessary for investigations to continue and we will conduct more interviews and consultation meetings by phone or other remote means.

If you have any questions please contact us via enquiries@raib.gov.uk

I wish you well in these extraordinary circumstances.