The spouse of the driver killed in the Stonehaven train derailment has hit out at solutions he was to blame for the incident and explained he “did almost everything by the e-book”.
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, died along with conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, in the 12 August crash in Aberdeenshire.
Six other travellers have been taken to clinic.
Emergency services on the scene in Stonehaven. Pic: Newsline Media
Mr McCullough’s grieving spouse, Stephanie, said she essential to clarify what had transpired “simply because of the new posts on different information channels implying my wonderful spouse was at fault”.
She said it was “particularly hurtful” that people today had been judging her husband’s actions “when they have definitely no idea what they are talking about”.
An investigation by the RAIB uncovered the prepare struck a landslip before coming off the observe and sliding together the ground for 90 metres.
Mrs McCullough claimed her husband’s educate had been held at Carmont for two hours before he was informed it was safe to proceed north up the train line.
“At this level in time the storm experienced earlier and the sunlight was shining, Brett did what he was explained to we know this since the ‘black box’ recorded Brett’s velocity that was beneath the pace limit and the communications concerning Scotrail and Brett history almost everything!! (sic)” she wrote in a Fb publish.
Mr McCullough had noticed the landslide and utilized the crisis brakes, she added.
“Several persons really don’t know that you won’t be able to just cease a teach! When the brakes are used it could consider up to a mile to stop a educate, it really is not instantaneous like a car.”
Brett McCullough leaves driving his wife and a few kids
The RAIB has mentioned its investigation is continue to ongoing and it is accumulating evidence to assistance it recognize “factors appropriate to the lead to of the accident and its penalties”.
It said things probable to be taken into account include the actions of the folks included, modern inspections of drainage and earthworks in the location, management of the dangers of serious climate and steps taken in response to prior safety tips.
An annual health and fitness and security report by the Office environment of Rail and Street (ORR) very last thirty day period warned Network Rail about not maintaining up with extraordinary temperature functions.
It had famous a spike in landslips on Britain’s railways, as effectively as a surge in flooding activities.
Brett McCullough was driving the prepare when it derailed, killing him
Mrs McCullough stated: “I won’t be able to stand folks implying that my attractive form spouse was to blame. He did every little thing he was explained to to do.
“I can guarantee you Brett liked his occupation and did almost everything by the guide.
“Regrettably coming round that corner there was nothing at all he could have finished.”
She paid out tribute to her “variety light spouse” and claimed their three little ones were “heartbroken”.
“His family was his planet and he cared so much about people,” she additional.
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