 On 26 February , an interim report published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch outlined the current progress of the investigation . The report contained a single conclusion , that the immediate cause of the accident was the condition of the stretcher bar arrangement at points 2B at Lambrigg crossover , which resulted in the loss of gauge separation of the point switch blades . The stretcher bars ( components that hold the moving blades of the points the correct distance apart ) had been found to be disconnected or missing . Of the three bars , one was not in position , another had nuts and bolts missing , and two were fractured . The points in question were facing the direction of travel of the train . 
