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Stonehaven fatal derailment to be probed during inquiry next month

A fatal accident enquiry is set to investigate the Stonehaven rail crash tragedy next month, where three lives were lost. The fatal derailment occurred on August 12, 2020, on the Scotrail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow, resulting in the deaths of train driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62. The train derailed between Dundee and Aberdeen near Carmont, Aberdeenshire at approximately 9.37am.
Following the incident, rail authorities faced legal consequences, with Network Rail fined £6.7m for admitting a series of shortcomings that contributed to the fatal crash. A report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) highlighted errors in the construction of a drainage system by Carillion, which failed to handle heavy rainfall on the morning of the tragedy. The first phase of the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is scheduled to commence with a preliminary hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on January 29.
The purpose of an FAI is to establish the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and identify preventive measures to avoid similar future tragedies. This inquiry follows the prosecution and conviction of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited for breaching health and safety regulations in September 2023. Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks stated that the Lord Advocate views the deaths of the three individuals as a matter of significant public concern, prompting a comprehensive and rigorous investigation.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are investigative in nature, aiming to ascertain facts rather than assign blame. Shanks emphasized that the inquiry will scrutinize the circumstances leading to the tragic deaths and ensure transparency by making relevant information public. Families of the victims will be kept informed of developments as the court proceedings progress, with the evidence subject to judicial review in a public forum.
In summary, the upcoming fatal accident enquiry regarding the Stonehaven rail crash seeks to shed light on the events that transpired, identify key factors contributing to the incident, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This inquiry underscores the importance of railway safety and accountability in the transportation sector, with a focus on addressing underlying issues to enhance passenger and crew welfare.