Network Rail indicated a guilty plea yesterday to one charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in connection with the 2007 Grayrigg train derailment.
The Office of Rail Regulation is prosecuting against Network Rail for breaching health and safety regulations which caused the train to derail, killing one person and injuring 86 people.
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said:
“The Grayrigg derailment in 2007 resulting in the tragic death of Mrs Masson was a terrible event. Within hours of the event it was clear that we were responsible, that the infrastructure was at fault, so it is right that we plead guilty.
“We again apologise to Mrs Masson’s family for the undoubted grief this has caused them.”
The case was adjourned until 2 April.