The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has today, 8 October 2026, published its report into an incident that took place on the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex on 9 August 2025. The incident involved the unexpected movement of two steam locomotives, Fenchurch and Stepney, while a shunter was coupling them.
The locomotives moved approximately 3 metres (10 feet) before the movement was halted by another staff member. The shunter, although uninjured, was shaken by the event, which occurred around 15:00 during the railway's 65th anniversary mini-gala.
The report indicates that the unexpected movement was due to steam pressure building in Fenchurch's cylinders, caused by a regulator valve not being fully closed and the reverser not being in a position to reduce movement risk. Fenchurch was also not effectively immobilised as its air brake was not fully applied, and the shunter was reportedly unaware of the locomotive's braking system type.
RAIB identified an underlying factor as the Bluebell Railway not effectively managing risks associated with coupling air-braked rolling stock. A recommendation has been made to the Bluebell Railway to undertake a risk-based review of its arrangements for coupling and uncoupling rail vehicles.