The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its annual report, which covers the period 1 January to 31 December 2025.
The report summarises operational and investigative activity undertaken by the branch during the year. RAIB said it also highlights five themes which have run through the Branch’s work during 2025. These are: track worker safety, platform safety, asset integrity, level crossings and overspeeding.
In his review of 2025, Andrew Hall, the Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents, has announced his intention to retire from the role in the autumn.
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2025 operational activity
During 2025, RAID received 488 notifications, from which 54 events were identified as requiring a preliminary examination to determine the most appropriate response. From these preliminary examinations 16 full investigations, eight safety digests and five industry investigation reviews were started.
During 2025, RAIB published 10 full investigation reports, six safety digests, six letters to coroners and issued one notice of urgent safety advice. RAIB made 31 safety recommendations to 33 different organisations across the rail industry including infrastructure owners, train operators (passenger, light rail, and freight), manufacturers, and central and local government.
Andrew, Hall, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said: “This annual report was prepared and finalised before the tragic collision on the Midland Main Line last Friday. On behalf of RAIB, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to all those involved in and affected by the accident.
“Given that our investigation is in its early stages I would not wish to say more other than to observe, as I have noted in my foreword, that every fatal accident has tragic and long-lasting consequences for those left behind and serves as a reminder that, even on our statistically ever-safer railways and tramways, there is always a need for vigilance and a need to learn.”
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More information about the five recurring safety themes and further remarks from Andrew Hall can be found in the Chief Inspector’s review starting on page three of the report. A new summary of learning on overspeeding has also been published.
