Mobile work platform runs away near Belle Isle Junction

摘要

A Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) ran away while being on-tracked at a road-rail access point near Belle Isle junction (north London) on May 16. It was due to be used on an overnight possession of the track between Belle Isle and Canal Tunnel junctions, when the machine operator onboard was unable to stop the MEWP and had to jump from it as it was running away. The MEWP stopped within a tunnel towards St Pancras station after around 700 metres. No one was injured and no damage was caused to the vehicle or railway infrastructure. Preliminary examinations by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that a hydraulic valve on the MEWP's direct rail wheel braking system was not correctly set for operational use and that this was the likely cause of the MEWP not being braked when it was on-tracked. RAIB is now conducting a full investigation into the incident.