LNER train hit Grantham junction at more than double the speed limit, injuring passengers

FFCCTV image from train 1Y80 showing signal D22 displaying a yellow aspect and diverging route indication (Photo: LNER).

An independent report published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch today has found that an LNER service travelling from Middlesbrough to London King’s Cross passed through a set of points near Grantham at more than twice the permitted speed last September, injuring passengers.

The 07:08 service passed through Grantham South Junction at 56mph just after 09:00 on 26 September 2025. The maximum permitted speed on that section of track is 25mph.

FFCCTV image from train 1Y80 showing the Up Fast line signal displaying a green aspect (in white circle) which did not apply to train 1Y80 (Photo: LNER).

The train had been diverted from its usual route onto the Up Slow line at the junction. Signal D22, which governs the approach to the junction, is fitted with a special control known as “approach release” – meaning it stays at red until the train is close enough for the driver to read the illuminated junction indicator, which shows which route the train is taking. Following an earlier overspeed incident at the same location in February 2025, Network Rail had also modified the signal so it would only clear from red to yellow rather than green, so that drivers would expect the next signal to be red and not accelerate after passing it.

The driver slowed to around 24mph approaching signal D22 and initially kept below 30mph after passing it. However, investigators found the driver most likely then “read through” to a green signal on the fast line ahead, which did not apply to their train, and began accelerating as though taking the higher-speed straight-ahead route. The junction carries a maximum speed of 115mph on the straight-ahead route.

The train lurched as it was diverted by the points, throwing standing passengers to the floor and sending luggage falling from overhead racks.

The driver did not report the incident to LNER. It only came to light after a passenger was injured by a falling suitcase and the train manager reported it to LNER control. Other passengers had already raised concerns on social media. LNER did not become aware of the full picture until November 2025, after reviewing internal CCTV and on-train data recorder information.

CCTV footage also showed the train manager had been in the driving cab for around nine minutes before the overspeed. Investigators said the driver may have been distracted by their presence, which could have contributed to them missing or forgetting the route indication.

It is the second overspeed incident at Grantham South Junction in 2025 – a similar event occurred there in February. The RAIB has previously investigated comparable incidents at Spital Junction in Peterborough in 2022 and 2023, with safety recommendations from both investigations still outstanding.