The driver of the Merseyrail train which derailed at Kirkby station causing massive damage has been arrested, the ECHO can reveal.
Police and a number of government agencies are investigating the March 13 incident, which saw a Saturday evening service leave the tracks.
The impact, which happened when the train collided with a buffer stop, caused a significant amount of damage with smashed up concrete and other debris. Part of the platform in Kirkby collapsed.
Now, the ECHO has learnt that a 58-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of endangering the safety of the railway.
He was the driver of the 6.35pm Merseyrail service, who was left "shaken up" after the crash and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The driver, from Liverpool, was detained by British Transport Police officers last week before being questioned by detectives and the released under investigation.
Investigators remain tight-lipped over any potential cause for the crash, which happened on March 13.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
The train, which was carrying 12 passengers and two crew members, was seen to enter the station before it derailed and smashed into the platform, and surrounding walls.
Sparks flew and flashes of orange briefly were seen.
A series of investigations are underway involving the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office for Rail and Road.
They could lead to enforcement action if any safety breaches are found.
A criminal investigation is being led by the British Transport Police, and its officers arrested the driver last week.
A previous Rail Accident Investigation Branch statement said: "We were notified of an accident involving a passenger train at Kirkby station on Saturday.
"A team of inspectors were sent to the site to gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a preliminary examination.
"If the evidence collected indicates that there are likely to be important safety lessons for the railway industry then a full and thorough independent investigation will be carried out and the findings, along with any safety recommendations, published.”
.png?w=600)
