The official inquiry into the Potters Bar crash has dismissed claims that sabotage was to blame for the derailment.

Health and Safety Executive investigators have so far found no evidence to support claims by maintenance contractors Jarvis, that sabotage was the cause, and mounting evidence suggests track points were incorrectly installed.

They have warned that an invisible defect known as piping could lead to rail failure if it is not dealt with.

The accident happened on May 10 when the 12.45 train from King's Cross to King's Lynn derailed at 96mph, killing seven people and injuring nearly 100.

British Transport Police are now considering whether manslaughter charges should be brought against Railtrack or members of the Jarvis workforce.

June 26, 2002 12:30