Overview
- A preliminary examination found several wheels derailed and then rerailed within the Hopetown Junction crossover.
- The incident occurred at around 13:19 on 31 January 2026 near Darlington North Road station in County Durham.
- The train had been routed from the Darlington North Road Goods Loop over the crossover onto the Bishop Auckland Single line toward Shildon.
- Train crew were initially unaware of the derailment, and the driver was alerted only after the service reached Shildon.
- The safety digest is expected on the RAIB website in the coming weeks to quickly convey key learning without a full investigation.