Inquiry Begins Into Carmont Rail Disaster That Claimed Three Lives

A fatal accident inquiry is set to open in Aberdeen into a train derailment in Aberdeenshire that resulted in the deaths of three people.

Proceedings will begin on Monday at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, examining the circumstances of the crash near Carmont, close to Stonehaven, on August 12 2020. Those who lost their lives were train driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62. A further six people were injured.

The derailment involved the 6.38am service from Aberdeen to Glasgow, which left the tracks on the Dundee line during a period of torrential rainfall. The incident later led to criminal proceedings, culminating in Network Rail being fined £6.7 million in 2023 after admitting health and safety failings connected to the crash.

The fatal accident inquiry is expected to sit until February 13, before resuming on February 23 for a final week of hearings.

Debbie Carroll, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said:

“Following a thorough and detailed investigation and criminal prosecution this fatal accident inquiry will look at the full circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths and help avoid such an incident happening again. The families of Christopher Stuchbury, Donald Dinnie and Brett McCullough and their legal representatives will continue to be updated as the inquiry progresses.”

Aslef’s Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said:

“Today is a day where our foremost thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Their pain is incalculable and we know that days like today add to their torment. We have said before that Carmont represents endemic and tragic corporate failure. If it was a busy train it is likely many more fatalities would have occurred. We have also made clear before that this accident must be a watershed moment for rail safety across the UK. Never again should our drivers be on trains where crashworthiness is not fit for purpose. Neither can we have trains on track and infrastructure that are not designed to withstand the consequences of climate change and where repeated warnings were not acted upon. We hope and expect that this FAI establishes all the facts and helps ensure that no family goes through the pain endured by those closest to Christopher, Donald and Brett.”

Image: RAIB