Faulty brakes caused runaway trolley deaths

British Transport Police has concluded that the trailer which rolled out of a rail yard in Cumbira killing four workers was faulty.

Health and safety experts have been examining the trailer and found that the vehicle was only secured with small pieces of wood despite the size of the rails being unloaded.

Investigators said the brakes fitted on the trolley should have secured it in normal circumstances.

A statement by British Transport Police said: "The Health and Safety Laboratory's examination of the flatbed trailer involved in the incident has shown that the brakes fitted to the vehicle, which should have secured it, were not functional. Why they were not is the focus of the continuing investigation."

Hundreds of trailers similar to the one involved in the accident were taken out of service on Wednesday so their brakes could be tested.