A potentially disastrous incident on the Todmorden line has prompted a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event, which occurred on 7 May 2026. According to reports, the driver of an out-of-service passenger train, operated by Northern, was given permission to move their train closer to a signal on Todmorden West Curve in West Yorkshire. However, the driver was not aware that the train was already standing with its driving cab beyond the signal, resulting in an uncontrolled movement towards Todmorden Viaduct Junction.
Fortunately, the driver quickly brought the train to a stop just short of the junction, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision with an oncoming passenger service, which passed through the junction just 12 seconds later. The incident, which occurred during a period of revised working arrangements that had increased the number of shunting movements involving Todmorden West Curve, has sparked concerns about the safety of the line and the potential risks posed by such arrangements.
The investigation, which is being carried out independently of any industry-led probe, will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the near miss, as well as any factors that may have influenced the actions of those involved. The inquiry will also consider the status and function of the signalling systems in the area, the management, training, and competence of staff, and how the risk of revised working arrangements was being assessed and controlled.
The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures on the Todmorden line and has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current signalling systems and staff training. The investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and may lead to recommendations for improvements to the safety of the line.