Investigators probe Potters Bar points system

Rail crash investigators are today trying to establish what caused nuts to come loose on a points system near Potters Bar station, blamed for the train derailment which claimed seven lives.

Railtrack yesterday said there was evidence of a fracture in a front stretcher bar, one of the supports on the points system, that caused nuts holding them in place to shear off.

Construction firm Jarvis plc, which holds the contracts for both track renewals and track maintenance on the line, said the points in question had passed safety inspections the day before the crash.

The company said in a statement: ``Our extensive records show that all maintenance work in the area has been carried out fully in accordance with group and line standards.

``This particular site was last inspected on May 9 and the points in question were compliant with standards at the time of this inspection.''

Investigators are conducting tests in a bid to establish the facts.