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Network Rail has initiated legal proceedings against two railway firms, seeking damages exceeding £5 million following a significant fuel spill caused by a train derailment. The claim, filed earlier this month, targets DB Cargo UK and Touax Rail over an accident that occurred near Llangennech in Carmarthenshire back in August 2020. During this incident, 10 out of 25 wagons came off the tracks, resulting in the release of approximately 446,000 litres of fuel and forcing around 300 residents to evacuate the nearby area due to a large fire.
According to High Court filings, Network Rail alleges that the derailment was triggered because one of the wagons had “not been maintained with reasonable care,” attributing negligence to Touax Rail. Although no injuries were reported, a significant amount of fuel ignited—about 116,000 litres—while nearly 330,000 litres spilled into surrounding wetlands. These affected wetlands are protected as they constitute part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation, highlighting the environmental sensitivity of the location.
An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), published in January 2022, found that the derailment was caused by a wheelset locking on one of the wagons. This malfunction was linked to a brake defect, which in turn resulted from “inadequate maintenance practices.” Network Rail also claims that DB Cargo UK failed in its contractual obligation to maintain the wagon with due care, and is seeking compensation on these grounds as well. Both DB Cargo and Touax Rail have yet to submit their formal responses to the claim. A court hearing is scheduled to address these matters.
The train involved was transporting fuel from Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire to Theale, near Reading when the accident happened. The railway line had to be shut down for six months, and full service was not restored until almost a year later. Cleanup efforts were extensive, requiring the removal of 30,000 tonnes of soil contaminated by fuel. Bill Kelly, who was Network Rail’s Wales route director at the time, described the aftermath as “one of the biggest environmental recovery operations Network Rail has ever been involved with,” and noted that the incident could have resulted in a “total environmental disaster.” The RAIB report also noted that the train was traveling at around 38mph, carrying up to 75.5 tonnes of fuel when the derailment occurred. While the investigation refrained from assigning blame, it made nine recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future. Network Rail and DB Cargo declined to comment on the lawsuit, and Touax Rail had not responded when contacted
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