The Rail Accident Investigation Branch reported on 28 August 2026 that a Greater Anglia passenger train derailed at around 14:08 on 14 August 2026, roughly 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometres) south-east of Wickford station in Essex, while travelling between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street.

The train comprised two coupled class 720 electric multiple units of five vehicles each. Its rearmost vehicle derailed and its wheels ran on the sleepers and ballast for about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). The train stayed upright and no injuries were reported among the estimated 62 people on board. Data from the front vehicle's on-train recorder showed a speed of around 77 mph (124 km/h) at derailment. The driver reported a kink in the track, and forward-facing CCTV showed a misalignment at the same location. The driver was reporting the track condition to the signaller when an emergency call from another train led them to apply the brakes.

The derailed train was damaged, the passing train sustained minor damage from flying ballast, and there was significant damage to track, signalling and overhead electrification equipment. The investigation will examine the sequence of events, the actions of those involved, track status and maintenance, mitigation of hot-weather operating risk, train performance during the derailment and management factors. Findings and any safety recommendations are to be published at the investigation's conclusion.