Investigations are under way into an incident that saw two railway workers lose their lives on tracks near Port Talbot, South Wales, when they were struck by an oncoming passenger train.
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British Transport Police, the Office of Rail & Road, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Network Rail have all launched investigations into the incident which happened last Wednesday.
The two workers were pronounced dead at the scene and a third, uninjured person was treated for shock. An initial finding suggests that they had been wearing ear defenders at the time of the incident and therefore could not hear the train approaching.
Workers’ union RMT is now calling for a suspension of all similar works and urged the rail regulator to banish the practice of workers operating on lines in front of railway rolling stock.
“As well as demanding answers from Network Rail, and a suspension of all similar works until the facts are established, the union will be supporting our members and their families at this time,” said its general secretary Mick Cash.
Network Rail’s chief executive Andrew Haines said: “This is a heart breaking reminder of how dangerous it can be to work on the railway and highlights to us all the importance of challenging anything that seems unsafe.”
He confirmed that Network Rail has appointed an independent investigator who will be joined by trade unions and industry partners to form an investigation team.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said that it would look to provide further details of the incident and of its investigation in the coming weeks, followed by recommendations to improve track worker safety.
A spokesman for the Office of Rail & Road said: “Our sympathies go out to the family and friends of the workers who lost their lives or were injured. We have begun our investigation and are making early enquiries.”
Superindendent Andy Morgan of British Transport Police said officers are working alongside the RAIB to understand the full circumstances of what happened in the moments before the incident.
“The two men’s families have both been informed and we will be providing them with as much help and support as possible through this undoubtedly difficult and distressing time,” he said.
(Image: Network Rail)
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