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Train crash report ready shortly Train crash report ready shortly
(10 minutes later)
An initial report into the Cumbria train crash, in which one woman died, is to be released as early as Monday.An initial report into the Cumbria train crash, in which one woman died, is to be released as early as Monday.
Investigators are spending the day shoring up the road leading away from the crash site to allow heavy lifting gear to gain access to the carriages.Investigators are spending the day shoring up the road leading away from the crash site to allow heavy lifting gear to gain access to the carriages.
The inquiry is focusing on a set of points which the Virgin Trains Pendolino ran across before derailing.The inquiry is focusing on a set of points which the Virgin Trains Pendolino ran across before derailing.
Network Rail boss John Armitt said checks on other points had so far found nothing of concern.Network Rail boss John Armitt said checks on other points had so far found nothing of concern.
Up to 700 sets of points across the entire network are being checked following Friday's crash near Kendal. Up to 700 sets of points across the entire network have been checked following Friday's crash near Kendal.
Mr Armitt said he expected the initial findings of the investigation to be given to him on Monday.Mr Armitt said he expected the initial findings of the investigation to be given to him on Monday.
How crash unfolded How crash unfolded
BBC transport correspondent Tom Symonds says it is likely to set out the basic facts of the crash but its unlikely to reach any firm conclusions about the causes.BBC transport correspondent Tom Symonds says it is likely to set out the basic facts of the crash but its unlikely to reach any firm conclusions about the causes.
Ch Supt Martyn Ripley of the British Transport Police said the recovery operation was a "logistical nightmare", and that the heavy duty lifting equipment would not be on site until at least early Tuesday.Ch Supt Martyn Ripley of the British Transport Police said the recovery operation was a "logistical nightmare", and that the heavy duty lifting equipment would not be on site until at least early Tuesday.
Thomas Edwards, who is leading the inquiry for the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB), said two black box data recorders had been recovered from the wreckage. and information from them would now be analysed.Thomas Edwards, who is leading the inquiry for the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB), said two black box data recorders had been recovered from the wreckage. and information from them would now be analysed.
HAVE YOUR SAY This accident does seem to be yet another symptom of the fragmentation of the railways from the publicly owned unified system we used to have, to what we now have Noel Staples, Peterborough Send us your comments
The points were "essential to the investigation", he said, but added the inquiry would also be looking at three other main areas - the track between the points and where the train slipped down the embankment, signal boxes and the train itself.The points were "essential to the investigation", he said, but added the inquiry would also be looking at three other main areas - the track between the points and where the train slipped down the embankment, signal boxes and the train itself.
He also said a "statement of fact" would be issued within seven days but that the full investigation would take "months".He also said a "statement of fact" would be issued within seven days but that the full investigation would take "months".
Potters Bar comparisonsPotters Bar comparisons
Meanwhile there have been calls for an independent public inquiry into the crash.Meanwhile there have been calls for an independent public inquiry into the crash.
Louise Christian, the solicitor who represented victims of the Potters Bar crash which killed seven people in 2002, said not enough had been done since then to improve rail safety.Louise Christian, the solicitor who represented victims of the Potters Bar crash which killed seven people in 2002, said not enough had been done since then to improve rail safety.
INVESTIGATING BODIES British Transport Police: National police force for railways, also covers London Underground and Midland Metro Tram SystemRail Accident and Investigation Branch: Investigates incidents on railways to improve safety - does not establish blame.Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate: Division of the Office of the Rail Regulator, oversees safety on Britain's railways and tramwaysINVESTIGATING BODIES British Transport Police: National police force for railways, also covers London Underground and Midland Metro Tram SystemRail Accident and Investigation Branch: Investigates incidents on railways to improve safety - does not establish blame.Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate: Division of the Office of the Rail Regulator, oversees safety on Britain's railways and tramways
She said that instead of an inquest into the deaths of the victims of the Potters Bar crash, due to be held on 23 April, there should be "a public inquiry into both Potters Bar and this new train crash and to look at the maintenance of the track and the points".She said that instead of an inquest into the deaths of the victims of the Potters Bar crash, due to be held on 23 April, there should be "a public inquiry into both Potters Bar and this new train crash and to look at the maintenance of the track and the points".
Former Transport Secretary Alistair Darling ruled out a public inquiry into Potters Bar but Network Rail and the line maintenance company Jarvis later admitted civil liability in relation to the crash.Former Transport Secretary Alistair Darling ruled out a public inquiry into Potters Bar but Network Rail and the line maintenance company Jarvis later admitted civil liability in relation to the crash.
Ms Christian's comments came after rail expert Christian Wolmar told BBC News 24 the points on which the Cumbria crash probe was focusing could have had loose bolts.Ms Christian's comments came after rail expert Christian Wolmar told BBC News 24 the points on which the Cumbria crash probe was focusing could have had loose bolts.
"From what I understand, they have found these points in a similar condition to those at Potters Bar, with some missing nuts and the stretcher bar, which keeps the rails properly apart, apparently loosened," he said."From what I understand, they have found these points in a similar condition to those at Potters Bar, with some missing nuts and the stretcher bar, which keeps the rails properly apart, apparently loosened," he said.
The train's carriages slipped down an embankment after the crashThe train's carriages slipped down an embankment after the crash
Shadow chancellor George Osborne told Sky News the Conservatives had concerns over whether there was enough cooperation between rail companies and those responsible for maintaining the track.Shadow chancellor George Osborne told Sky News the Conservatives had concerns over whether there was enough cooperation between rail companies and those responsible for maintaining the track.
Network Rail, which is responsible for maintaining track, said engineers hoped to complete checks of between 600 and 700 sets of points by the end of Sunday.Network Rail, which is responsible for maintaining track, said engineers hoped to complete checks of between 600 and 700 sets of points by the end of Sunday.
Mr Armitt acknowledged that there might have been a points failure. He said the points were last serviced earlier this month.Mr Armitt acknowledged that there might have been a points failure. He said the points were last serviced earlier this month.
Train driver interviewedTrain driver interviewed
Work at the crash site itself, which is only accessed via narrow rural roads, has been hampered by rain which has caused the scene to become very muddy underfoot.Work at the crash site itself, which is only accessed via narrow rural roads, has been hampered by rain which has caused the scene to become very muddy underfoot.
CONTACT NUMBERS Cumbria Police helpline: 0800 056 0146Police family liaison centre: 0800 40 50 40 National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50CONTACT NUMBERS Cumbria Police helpline: 0800 056 0146Police family liaison centre: 0800 40 50 40 National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50
A forensic examination carried out by the British Transport Police, the RAIB and Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) is expected to continue at the site for several days.A forensic examination carried out by the British Transport Police, the RAIB and Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) is expected to continue at the site for several days.
Margaret Masson, 84, of Glasgow, died after the crash, and eight people were seriously injured. Five of those are said to be improving, while a total of 11 remain in hospital.Margaret Masson, 84, of Glasgow, died after the crash, and eight people were seriously injured. Five of those are said to be improving, while a total of 11 remain in hospital.
Mr Black, the train driver, suffered a broken collar bone and a broken bone in his neck, his union Aslef has said, and is expected to remain in hospital for about a month.Mr Black, the train driver, suffered a broken collar bone and a broken bone in his neck, his union Aslef has said, and is expected to remain in hospital for about a month.
Ch Supt Ripley said investigators had spoken to Mr Black, and that he would be interviewed again.Ch Supt Ripley said investigators had spoken to Mr Black, and that he would be interviewed again.
Virgin Trains said the line may not reopen to passenger services until during the week beginning 5 March.Virgin Trains said the line may not reopen to passenger services until during the week beginning 5 March.

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