H&C trains put on collision course

PRESS ASSOCIATION: An investigation has been launched into an incident on London Underground when a train was switched on to the wrong track, it was revealed today.

Transport for London (TfL) said a signalling "irregularity" was to blame for a westbound train on the Hammersmith & City line being routed on to eastbound tracks

The incident happened during the rush hour yesterday morning, a day after Tube trains were disrupted because of a strike by thousands of workers in a row over jobs.

A TfL spokesman said: "At 0818 hours on Wednesday a westbound Hammersmith & City line train exiting the siding at Plaistow, which is used to turn trains around, was routed on to the eastbound tracks.
"The driver, following London Underground's stringent safety procedures, stopped the train immediately, and our signalling system prevented any eastbound trains from moving towards the stationary train. The nearest eastbound train was stationary at red signals almost a kilometre away at West Ham.

"Passenger and staff safety was maintained throughout. The train had three passengers on board, who were all removed from the train shortly after 0900 hours.

"Our engineers are carrying out a full investigation into the cause of this signalling irregularity."

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail Regulation have been informed of the incident.

Not near Shepherd's Bush, but it is a worrying development for any user of the line.