The aftermath of a freight train derailment at Barking, east London, continues to disrupt railway services, with repairs expected to extend deep into this week. The incident on Friday, 23 October, caused extensive damage to track, overhead line equipment and rolling stock, affecting a key interchange between London’s passenger network and freight routes serving the capital’s ports.
Nationalised passenger operator c2c has released pictures showing the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has sent inspectors to the scene to begin gathering evidence. The full implications for freight services remain unclear.
Infrastructure damage extends recovery period
The derailment involved a GB Railfreight intermodal train travelling from London Gateway towards Hams Hall, Birmingham. The incident happened at around 13:10 on Friday, affecting the railway near Barking station. Several container flat wagons were badly damaged, with images showing displaced bogies and detached axles. RailFreight.com understands that at least one wagon is too badly damaged to be recovered and is being broken up on site.
The damaged rolling stock is understood to have been dragged for around 2,000 metres, damaging track and overhead line equipment. A report published by Thurrock Nub News on Sunday, citing Great British Railways’ Anglia region (the nationalised amalgam of the passenger operator c2c and the infrastructure agency Network Rail), said around 1.2km of track was affected. Detailed inspections were continuing to establish the full extent of the repairs required.
Barking routed services disrupted deep into this week
The derailment has had a substantial impact on passenger services through Barking, one of east London’s major transport interchanges. The station serves c2c, London Underground and London Overground services. The freight train was running through platform eight and also blocking an adjacent platform, restricting passenger movements through the area. It’s understood that the recovery operation also resulted in a further low-speed derailment, which has exacerbated the process.
The disruption has continued beyond the weekend, with repairs expected to affect services throughout this coming week. Dagenham Dock, Rainham and Purfleet passenger stations remain without c2c services until further notice. Freight planners need to balance against the dense passenger schedules on the alternative North London and Great Eastern Main Lines. Deep-sea container flows are being prioritised to prevent Thames Estuary port congestion, leaving transit times to inland hubs like Hams Hall, Birch Coppice, and Daventry extended while repairs continue.
London Gateway and Tilbury exposed to Barking disruption
The derailment has implications for freight movements serving London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury, the two major container gateways that form the major part of the government-designated Thames Freeport. DP World operates London Gateway, while Tilbury is owned by Forth Ports. Both terminals are important components of the UK’s intermodal freight network, connecting maritime cargo with inland destinations by rail and road. DP World is currently expanding London Gateway specifically to take advantage of rail connectivity. Forth Ports has similar plans for Tilbury.
The extent of any disruption to port operations or cargo movements has yet to be established. Neither DP World nor Forth Ports had stated the incident by the time of publication. It remains unclear whether rail freight services have been cancelled, diverted or rescheduled, or whether alternative arrangements have been introduced for affected cargo.
Freight train and rolling stock under scrutiny
The derailed train at Barking was reporting number 4M47 working from London Gateway to Hams Hall, Birmingham, carrying intermodal containers on a rake of VTG-branded wagons. Social media posts have suggested that two Class 99 locomotives, 99004 and 99007, were hauling the train. The 99s are brand new Stadler bi-mode units, part of an order of thirty locomotives for GB Railfreight. That operator has just taken delivery of the fourteenth unit from the manufacturers (read more in a forthcoming report on RailFreight.com).
The damaged wagons and infrastructure will be central to establishing the circumstances of the derailment. British Transport Police attended the scene alongside railway staff and other emergency services. The statutory body, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), has confirmed that officers are gathering evidence, but no findings have yet been published.