Buffer stop collision at Enfield Town

At 08:21 hrs on 12 October 2021, a passenger train collided with the buffer stop on platform 2 of Enfield Town station. The train came to a stand with its front end raised on top of the buffer stop, which had become detached during the collision.

The train involved was the 07:45 hrs London Overground service from London Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, operated by Arriva Rail London. 75 passengers were reported as being on the train at the time of the collision. Two passengers received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the collision. It will also consider:

Any factors that may have influenced the train driver’s actions

The training, supervision and management of drivers by Arriva Rail London

The design and configuration of the buffer stops at Enfield Town station

The processes used to assess and control the risk of terminal platform overruns at the station

Any relevant underlying factors.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.