Signals to Danger

A quick update on a serious derailment in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, on 27th July 2025. Regional Express 55 left the tracks after heavy storms, with early signs pointing to a landslip. At least three people have died and many more are injured. We break down what’s known so far and draw early comparisons to past incidents like Carmont in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another Rail Safety Review, and yes, despite the joys of a strep throat and a voice that sounds like it's been dragged through ballast, Dan is back to talk trains.This week we’re diving into the chaos that’s been brewing recently on the West Coast Main Line—a derailment near Bletchley, a buffer bump at Euston, trees taking down wires, freight trains giving up the ghost, and more disruption than you can shake a track circuit at. Safe to say, it’s not been a great run up North.We also get an inside look at the new branding for Signals to Danger, as Dan shares the story behind the podcast’s visual overhaul, why now was the right time for a refresh, and what remains unchanged at the heart of the show.🎧 Hit play, and mind the buffers.Credits and IdentsMusic track: Epic Motivation by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for Vide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June 1972, a day of leisure for railway workers and their families ended in tragedy on the curve at Eltham Well Hall. This episode examines the circumstances surrounding one of the UK's most avoidable rail accidents — a derailment caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol. This week we’re covering how a single catastrophic decision led to the loss of five lives and injury to over a hundred more.OPENING CREDITSMusic track: Epic Motivation by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for VideoMusic track: Research Station by Project ExSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree Background Music for VideoMusic track: Lineage by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicNo Copyright Background MusicMusic track: Emotional Moments by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for VideosMusic track: Spheres by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicRoyalty Free Background MusicMusic track: Arrival by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicRoyalty Free Background MusicEND CREDITSMusic track: Saved by Brothers by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree Background Music for Video Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Rail Safety Review, we dive into the RAIB’s 2024 Annual Report, exploring six key safety themes from the past year—from track worker and platform safety to vegetation management and asset integrity. We also take a closer look at the concept of Human Factors and how they influence modern accident investigations, including incident and human performance factors. Even without new RAIB reports, there’s still plenty to discuss in the world of rail safety.Credits and IdentsMusic track: Epic Motivation by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for Video Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks episode of Signals to Danger we head back to 1989 and the South London suburb of Purley. After a signal is passed at danger one train collides into the rear of another that has just the station, with carriages tumbling down an embankment into the back gardens of local residents. Join us to hear what happened and what investigators found when they descended on the scene.Merch - bit.ly/48dDNG5Patreon- bit.ly/45XAIZeOPENING CREDITSMusic track: Epic Motivation by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for VideoMusic track: Spheres by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicRoyalty Free Background MusicMusic track: Lineage by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicNo Copyright Background MusicMusic track: Research Station by Project ExSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree Background Music for VideoEND CREDITSMusic track: Saved by Brothers by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree Background Music for Video Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the first Rail Safety Review of this new run of Signals to Danger, where we take a look at the current coming and goings in railway safety. This time out we talk a little about the train vs tractor at Nordan Farm, the interim report into Talerddig and then sweep through what the RAIB is currently looking at. It's good to be back. OPENING CREDITSMusic track: Epic Motivation by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for Video Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 10th of June the RAIB released a Safety Digest into overspeeding within Blanket Speed Restrictions in Wales on the 27th January this year. Join us on our first ever Flash Briefing, as we go ahead and take a swift look at the content of the digest!Credits:Music track: Breaking News by WalenSource: https://freetouse.com/musicVlog Music for Videos (Free Download) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October of 2021, two passenger trains collided with each other as they ran into a tunnel just outside of Salisbury. This episode tells the story of what took place, and how investigators got to the bottom of how this accident happened. Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/SignalstoDangerMusic CreditsMusic track: Epic Motivation by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for VideoMusic track: Arrival by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicBackground Music for Video (Free)Music track: Tension Rising by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicCopyright Free Music for VideoMusic track: Spheres by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicRoyalty Free Background MusicMusic track: Lineage by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicNo Copyright Background MusicMusic track: Emotional Moments by AlegendSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree To Use Music for VideosMusic track: Saved by Brothers by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree Background Music for Video Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we unpick the remaining safety digests and investigations from the summer. Very busy with lots going on so enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're starting our look through the summer's events, including a review of RAIB news, two published safety digests and looking at the report into Kineton and the WCML SPAD near Stafford. Welcome back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a belated bumper roundup episode, covering several news stories and five new safety digests and reports, including the Clapham tube evacuation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's RAIB Roundup we take a look at some recent incidents the RAIB is taking notice of, the recent spate of derailments of passenger trains, and we chat a little about Central Door Locking on heritage stock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Signals to Danger we’re covering the 1968 Hixon accident where an express collided with a 120 tonne transformer at a level crossing in Staffordshire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we look at new digests on the way, two new investigations, and the completed Yarnton report, as well as hear about why I make the podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Signals to Danger we’re looking at a 2011 incident at James St station in Liverpool, where decisions taken in seconds cost a young girl her life, listener caution advised on this one Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first StD of 2024 takes a look at some recent safety digests, the release of the London Gateway report, and weighs in on the current debate about the safety of HSTs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the conclusion of our three-part deep dive into Ladbroke Grove, where we explore the legacy of one of the UK's worst modern rail disasters, and learn about the creation of some key players in rail safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PART TWO - Listen to Part One first!Join us on this week's Signals to Danger as we start to discuss the findings of the investigation into the 1999 collision between two trains at Ladbroke Grove and try to understand why 31 people lost their lives.Merch - bit.ly/48dDNG5Patreon- bit.ly/45XAIZe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on this weeks Signals to Danger for part one of our deep dive into one of the most significant incidents in recent rail history, where we tell the story of the 1999 collision between two trains at Ladbroke Grove.Merch - bit.ly/48dDNG5Patreon- bit.ly/45XAIZe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on our newest roundup, looking at 3 recent RAIB reports, South Wingfield, Salisbury Tunnel Junction and Loughborough Central, as well as an exciting look at RailJunction, a new project aimed at younger enthusiasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on this weeks Signals to Danger, where we explore the 1989 collision between two trains at Bellgrove in the suburbs of Glasgow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this delayed and somewhat breathless roundup we talk once more about Scotsman, I update on a new RAIB investigation as well as the completed Pettril Bridge report, and I almost tell you about the TRUST safety training induction, but not quite!Merch - bit.ly/48dDNG5Patreon- bit.ly/45XAIZe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's RAIB roundup we have a quick look at the incident with Flying Scotsman at Aviemore last week, we chat about the recently opened Stafford SPAD investigation and I let you know exactly what types of incident an operator needs to report to the branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 16th of July 1961, a passenger train collided with a ballast train within a worksite near Poulton-Le-Fylde in Lancashire. What went so badly wrong that this day out to the coast turned into disaster? Join us to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Signals to Danger RAIB roundup episode takes a look at the investigations currently underway with the branch, as well as providing a brief update on the latest developments in the Carmont proceedings.Merch - https://bit.ly/48dDNG5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On another visit to Signals to Danger, we travel back to 2004 and the village of Ufton Nervet, where a collision between a train and a car saw disasterous consequences, and left 7 dead. If you're interested in our new merch check out the link here: https://bit.ly/48dDNG5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time we're taking a slightly different turn for an episode, having a quick look at some of the recent RAIB reports which have been issued by the branch in July and September of this year.This roundup covers:The Enfield Town buffer stop collisionSpital Junction overspeedHaddiscoe's track washoutLoversall Carr collision between frieght trainsNear miss with track workers at Penkridge Hope you enjoy the new feel, and don't worry, we'll be back to normal with the next episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the morning of December 4th 194 a passenger train from Liverpool to Scarborough ploughed into the rear of a gas oil train just outside Manchester city centre, join us in the new run of Signals to Danger to find out what went wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we conclude our three part deep dive into the 2020 derailment of 1T08 at Carmont in Aberdeenshire.This time we're going to talk about opportunities to prevent the accident that were missed, the crashworthiness of the High speed train, and the recommendations of the report.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven't listened to the previous episode, Carmont Part One, head there first!In episode two of our story on Carmont, we uncover the reason there was a landslip, and talk about the construction issues experienced in 2011.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of Season Three, this episode we tell the story about what happened on the day that shook the rail industry just two years ago. On the 12th of August 2020 a Scotrail train derailed in Aberdeenshire, killing three and injuring others, the accident was the first time since Grayrigg that a passenger was killed on our Railway. Part one tells the story of the day itself, and what happened in the Scottish countryside. Tune in next time to hear about the investigation that followed, and the shocking findings.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Christmas Eve in 1910,  one of the most beautiful sections of railway in the world played host to an ugly disaster. A passenger train crashes into the back of a locomotive and fire finishes the horrible task.Why did this happen and how could it have been prevented, join us this time to find out!Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2020 a near-miss took place at Chalfont and Latimer station in Buckinghamshire. A commuter train and an underground train ended up a carriage lengths away from a head-on collision. Something had gone seriously wrong, join us and find out why this happened in another episode!Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1986 two express passenger trains collided with each other on the West Coast Main Line.  One man was killed, countless others were injured. What brought them together and why did it happen. Join us to find out more in this episode.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A retelling of the 1866 Charles Dickens classic.Merry Christmas to all of you out there, thanks so much for listening and I look forward to seeing you all in 2022!Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a peaceful Sunday morning in 1861, an everyday journey turned into a disaster when two trains collided in a tunnel near Brighton. Come and join us to find out what went wrong, Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a dreary October morning after heavy rainfall and widespread flooding, a passenger train sets out on its journey across the centre of Wales. Passengers suddenly find themselves fighting for their lives as the train plunges into a swollen river, fighting freezing water to escape the carriages. What went wrong, and why did 4 people fail to escape? Find out why in this episode of Signals to Danger.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season Two kicks off with the story of Quintinshill. At the height of the First World War, Britains worst-ever train crash takes the lives of 227 people, 215 of them troops on their way to war.Join us to see what went so wrong, and why this disaster took place.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

100 years ago 6 track workers went to do their job and didn't return.  They were run down and killed by a passing train in a tragic loss of life. Join us in commemorating their centenary and find out what happened at Stapleton Road.Thanks to the Railway Work, Life and Death Project for their support and research in creating this episode @RWLDproject http://www.railwayaccidents.port.ac.uk/Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A straight section of track suddenly becomes the scene of a violent derailment. A passenger train is smashed to pieces and 13 people lost their lives.Answers were needed, and Her Majesties Rail Inspectorate needed to provide them. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Signals to Danger has reached 25 episodes, and a year of life.To celebrate, two special episodes have been created, experiments in slightly different types of content, the first is this, sounds from the scene. To create this, and an accompanying video (coming soon) I headed down to London and spent the day travelling around some of the locations where accidents took place.Next episode will be next week as well, so you won't have long to wait for another!Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a Monday evening in July 1984 a passenger train collided with a cow between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The resulting derailment took the lives of 13 people and caused immense damage to the train and track.Why did this accident take place and why was it so devastating to those involved? Join us to find out.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2010 an accident took place on a level crossing at Herefordshire. An everyday trip turned into a disaster when the barriers opened as a train approached, two cars were hit by a train and one woman tragically lost her life.Join us this week to find out what went wrong at Moreton-on-Lugg.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1964 a special train was put on to take 230 school children from Staffordshire to York. They were on their way to enjoy the sites of the city, a true adventure.2 hours after it set off, it was derailed along the platforms at the suburban station of Cheadle Hulme. 3 lives lost and yet another disaster on the rails, join us this time to find out what happened. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weeks episode is a tale of travelling post offices and tanker wagons. Two trains collide outside Stafford station in 1996, one postal worker loses his life, and several carriages are destroyed.What happened which led to this disaster?Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a peaceful March morning in 1951 a train derailed less than a minute outside Doncaster station. This short journey left 14 people dead and a carriage wrapped around a bridge support.Join us in this episode to find out how what turned into a normal day into disaster.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March of 1967, an express train left Kings Cross for an overnight trip to Edinburgh. An hour later 4 carriages of the train would be scattered over the East Coast Main Line and 5 of her passengers would have lost their lives.When investigators found the cause, well, let's just say it was truly shocking. A betrayal of the railway's safety culture in an ultimate way.Join us this week to find out more.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2015 a steam charter train came within 44 seconds of colliding with a high speed passenger train. A signal passed at red and some revelations about just what was taking place in the cab of the locomotive mean that the near-miss at Wootton Bassett is a perfect example of why we have the rules we do.Join us to find out just how close things came, and the shocking reason why.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twice in the history of the UK's Railways has an accident led to the loss of more than 100 lives. The second took place on Wednesday the 8th of October 1952.Three trains collide with each other at Harrow & Wealdstone station just outside London. 112 people are killed and 340 injured.How could this have taken place? Join us to find out what happened and how it could have been prevented.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An 8 carriage passenger train has derailed, colliding with a bridge and claiming 8 lives. This everyday journey has turned into a disaster, but what caused the train to leave the tracks?Come and find out how they solved the mystery in this episode of Signals to Danger.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.