Preliminary findings released from Wickford derailment investigation
Preliminary analysis of the on-train black box recorded that the train was travelling at around 77 mph
Last updated 28th Aug 2026
An investigation into the derailment of a passenger train near Wickford has released it's first set of results.
The incident involved a train operated by Greater Anglia travelling between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street, and occurred around 2.1 miles south-east of Wickford station.
Formed of two class 720 electric multiple units, each consisting of five vehicles, the rearmost vehicle derailed, running on sleepers and ballast for approximately 1.5 miles.
No injuries were reported among the estimated 62 passengers on board.
Preliminary analysis of the on-train data recorder (sometimes referred to as ‘the black box’) obtained from the front vehicle recorded that the train was travelling at around 77 mph (124 km/h) when it derailed.
The driver reported seeing a kink in the track which rocked the driving cab as the train passed over it.
Forward-facing CCTV recovered from the train involved shows a misalignment in the track at the same location as the driver’s report and the point of derailment.
The train driver was in the process of reporting the track condition to the signaller when they received an emergency call from another train passing in the opposite direction and applied the train’s brakes.
The train involved in the accident sustained damage and the train passing in the opposite direction received minor damage from flying ballast. There was significant damage caused to the track, signalling and overhead electrification equipment.
GBR Anglia Managing Director Jamie Burles commented: “We are continuing to support the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) following its announcement to investigate the incident at Wickford.”
He added: “While the line between Wickford and Shenfield has now reopened, we are very sorry for the disruption this incident caused to our passengers and our local community. We remain thankful that no one was injured."
Burles emphasised the rarity of such events on Britain’s railways, noting their high safety standards, and pledged full cooperation with RAIB in reaching a conclusion that might inform future safety measures.