AN investigation has been launched after a train driver missed a danger signal, leaving a locomotive stranded across two lines at a high speed junction near Royal Wootton Bassett.

At 5.25pm on March 7, the 4.35pm Bristol to Southend service, with 13 coaches, passed through a danger signal put in place to protect an earlier train, which had safely passed through.

An automatic warning system had been installed with a magnet ahead of the danger signal, which alerted the driver of the cab to apply the brakes. The system should also have activated the brakes, but the train continued with only a slight reduction in speed of 8mph.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found evidence the driver and the fireman took steps to override the automatic brake.

The train bypassed another signal, set at caution, approaching Royal Wootton Bassett. Ordinarily the speed limit on the line is set at 125mph, but on the day in question it had been reduced to 85mph. Realising the Royal Wootton Bassett signal was also set at danger, the driver fully applied the brakes, but too late, and the speed of the train took it past the signal and resting on the double track high-speed junction.

The RAIB said it has found no evidence of malfunctioning signalling or equipment. A spokesman said the train was going at 59mph when it passed the signal, which “created an audible and visual warning to the locomotive cab.

“The signal was being maintained at danger in order to protect the movement of a previous train. However, at the time, this previous train had already passed through the junction and was continuing on its journey. No injuries, damage or derailment occurred as a result.

“As the driver did not acknowledge this warning within 2.7 seconds, the AWS system on the locomotive automatically applied the train’s brakes. This brake application should have resulted in the train being brought to a stand. In these circumstances, the railway rule book requires that the driver immediately contact the signaller.

“The RAIB has found evidence that the driver did not bring the train to a stand and contact the signaller after experiencing this brake application.

"Evidence shows that the driver and fireman instead took an action which cancelled the effect of the AWS braking demand after a short period and a reduction in train speed of only around 8mph.

"The train subsequently stopped, standing on both crossovers and the up and down Badminton lines.”

Investigations continue.