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Rail firms fined over derailment Rail firms fined over derailment
(10 minutes later)
Network Rail and rail services company Amey have been fined £500,000 over the partial derailment of a high-speed train in west London. Network Rail and rail services company Amey have been fined a total of £500,000 over the partial derailment of a high-speed train in west London.
No-one was hurt when the Swansea to London express derailed at 120mph near Southall Station, in November 2002.No-one was hurt when the Swansea to London express derailed at 120mph near Southall Station, in November 2002.
But the Health and Safety Executive said the firms exposed 450 passengers to risks by not maintaining the track.But the Health and Safety Executive said the firms exposed 450 passengers to risks by not maintaining the track.
Both pleaded guilty to health and safety offences and were fined at the Old Bailey.Both pleaded guilty to health and safety offences and were fined at the Old Bailey.
It must have been exceptionally frightening for the 450 fare-paying passengers Judge Richard Hone
The case was transferred to the Old Bailey from a magistrates' court, where the maximum fine for a single offence would have been £20,000.
The wheels of one of the eight coaches came off the track as the 8.05am train travelled through Southall station at 120 mph.
The train remained upright and kept going for two miles, stopping just outside West Ealing station.
"It must have been exceptionally frightening for the 450 fare-paying passengers, not to mention the frustrating inconvenience of a two-and-a-half-hour evacuation," said Judge Richard Hone.
An official report found it was an "unlucky and unpredictable event".
Network Rail was fined £200,000 and Amey £300,000. They were ordered to pay costs.