Stonehaven rail crash victims win nearly £1million from Network Rail

10/10/2023

VICTIMS of the fatal train derailment near Stonehaven in August, 2020, have been awarded nearly £1m in compensation from Network Rail.

Train driver Brett McCullogh, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, all died following the incident. Six others were injured.

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Seven people affected by the derailment – two people who lost loved ones and five passengers on the service – have now settled a civil claim against Network Rail.

“I can confirm our civil actions against Network Rail have all successfully settled,” a Digby Brown spokesman said

“Specifics cannot be discussed however the total sum recovered was nearly £1m with all damages rightly reflecting the injuries, trauma and losses each person suffered, and will continue to suffer for the rest of their lives.

“No amount of compensation will ever heal the wounds of the horrendous and avoidable tragedy at Carmont but it can at least provide recognition to those affected and the means to look to the future in the most life-affirming way possible.”

Last month, the UK’s railway operator pleaded guilty to a number of failings that eventually led to the derailment in Aberdeenshire, including a series of maintenance and inspection failures.

It also admitted failing to warn the driver that part of the track was unsafe or tell him to reduce his speed.

They were fined £6.7million pounds.

The judge, Lord Matthews, said no penalty could compensate for the loss suffered by the families of those who died and the people injured.

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