Paddington signal was partly obscured

A test of the key signal 109 the day after the Paddington rail crash showed it could be initially partly obscured by overhead line equipment, an official second interim report into the disaster said today.

A test of the key signal 109 the day after the Paddington rail crash showed it could be initially partly obscured by overhead line equipment, an official second interim report into the disaster said today.

Experts were now undertaking further analysis of the test, said the Health and Safety Executive.

But the report said that further testing of signal 109 and related equipment showed that the signalling was not at fault. Data from the "black box" recorder from the Thames train in the October 5 accident showed that prior to reaching signal 109, the train was slowing down.

It then accelerated and passed through the signal at approximately 50mph. Five seconds before collision the driver selected neutral and two seconds before the collision he selected the emergency brakes.

The HSE said that brake testing of the Thames train would be attempted but was expected to be difficult given the level of damage.