Containers blown off freight train at Hardendale 1 March 2008 The incident occurred at approximately 03:15 hrs adjacent to Hardendale Quarry, between Tebay and Penrith, on the down line of the WCML. A freight train, consisting of two Class 86 locomotives hauling 20 container flat wagons, lost five empty containers from the rearmost four wagons of the train while travelling at approximately 70 mph. The detached containers in this case also blocked running lines and again caused damage to the OLE and track. The line was closed until the early hours of 3 March. The incident took place at a time of high cross winds, and there were no injuries. On the basis of the RAIB’s preliminary examination, there is currently no indication that the driving or maintenance of the train, or the condition of the track, contributed to the two incident. The ongoing investigation will focus on, but not be limited to, the aerodynamics effects of the cross winds on the containers, the design of the wagon, how containers are retained on wagons and any operational restrictions on container wagons in high winds. The RAIB will publish a report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website. Precis form
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