A Liverpool woman has described the lasting trauma of being on a high-speed train that nearly overturned after travelling at more than double the speed limit. Neuma Domingos was a passenger on a Lumo service in April 2022 when it made a violent emergency stop, leaving her with chronic pain and psychological scars that persist to this day.
An official investigation later found the train was travelling at 76mph on a section of track near Peterborough with a speed limit of 30mph. Ms. Domingos has now secured a settlement with the support of legal specialists.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool resident Neuma Domingos was injured during an emergency stop on a Lumo train in April 2022.
- An investigation revealed the train was travelling at 76mph in a 30mph zone, creating a risk of overturning.
- Ms. Domingos suffered a knee injury and continues to experience chronic pain and psychological trauma.
- She has successfully secured a settlement from the train operator for the avoidable incident.
A Terrifying Journey
Neuma Domingos, who now resides in Liverpool, was travelling from Newcastle to London when her journey turned into a nightmare. She recalled the moments leading up to the sudden stop, describing how the carriage began to shake violently from side to side.
Passengers grew increasingly concerned that the train was about to derail. The sudden emergency braking then sent the carriage into chaos.
“The train was overspeeding and violently shaking from side to side – I was holding on to the lady sitting next to me and we were both terrified,” Ms. Domingos said. “Luggage was falling down all around us, people were being thrown around. It was absolutely horrific.”
In the turmoil, her right leg was twisted, causing a significant knee injury. The sheer terror of the event also triggered a panic attack as she believed the train had crashed.
The Brink of Disaster
The severity of the situation was later confirmed by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). An official report into the incident detailed a serious breach of safety protocols.
Incident by the Numbers
- Actual Speed: 76mph
- Speed Limit: 25-30mph
- Overspeed: More than double the permitted limit
Investigators concluded that the train was travelling so fast on its approach to Peterborough station that it was at serious risk of overturning. The report stated it was likely that some of the carriage wheels had lifted completely off the rails during the event.
The emergency stop, while violent and causing injuries, likely prevented a far more catastrophic derailment.
Lasting Physical and Psychological Impact
More than three years after the incident, Ms. Domingos continues to live with its consequences. The physical injury to her knee has resulted in chronic pain, which she fears may be permanent.
“Even now, I still have trouble with my knee, I have twinges of pain which may be there forever,” she explained. “Thankfully, the movement has returned, but the pain is still there and I do have some intermittent issues.”
The Challenge of Recovery
Beyond the physical pain, the psychological impact has profoundly affected Ms. Domingos' daily life. The memory of the incident has made travelling by train a source of significant anxiety.
While living in London at the time, using the Tube was a necessity, but she described the experience as “really difficult.” Now that she lives in Liverpool, she actively avoids rail travel whenever possible.
“Now I don’t live in London, I’ll always try to take the bus wherever possible. I really do worry it is going to happen again,” she said. “The memory of what happened is really awful and it’s pretty scary if you’re on a train that is going fast.”
Accountability and Moving Forward
To seek accountability and support for her recovery, Ms. Domingos enlisted the help of serious injury specialists at the law firm Slater and Gordon. Her case was handled by Associate Tim Gaskell, who helped her secure a settlement from Lumo.
Mr. Gaskell highlighted the preventable nature of the incident and its serious potential consequences.
“This was a very traumatic incident which has affected Neuma significantly, both physically and psychologically. It was completely avoidable, if the train had adhered to the speed limit. The potential consequences of what could have happened are unthinkable.”
He added, “We are very pleased to have supported Neuma in securing a settlement, which will help her to move on with her life, despite the ongoing reminders of what happened that day.”
The settlement provides financial recognition of the pain and suffering caused, assisting Ms. Domingos as she continues to manage the long-term effects of that day.