Two rail workers killed in collision with train, near Port Talbot - Wed 3 July 2019

[whole diary]

[broadgage]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-48854010

Early reports state that three rail workers struck. Please be aware that this is "breaking news" and liable to be revised as more detailed reports become available.

[BBM]

Just seen the following tweet from PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context) media: https://twitter.com/PA/status/1146359427529936902

#Breaking Two people have died after being struck by a train on railway tracks near Port Talbot in South Wales, British Transport Police say

(My thoughts to everyone involved with this very tragic incident.)

[Hafren]

On the affected train. Emergency services advised they won't be handing over for at least 2 hours. Crew being very visible and informative despite being clearly a bit shaken.

[broadgage]

Indeed, very sad.
The earlier report to which I referred made no reference to any loss of life, but yes, later reports state two fatalities.

I am sure that the bereaved and injured are in our thoughts.

[broadgage]

Here is a later report that is more accurate and in more detail.
Includes a picture of the scene, which I appreciate that some might consider inappropriate, but as it is from a reputable and publicly available news site I see no harm in posting.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-48854010

[jamestheredengine]

Ouch. Poor sods. Think I'm going to try heading up to Merthyr later and getting the last X75 of the day down the Vale of Neath, as I imagine it'll not be fun trying to head directly west from Cardiff when they find some rail replacement buses.

[Western Pathfinder]

Tragic ,my condolences to all involved especially the driver.

[grahame]

BTP^▸ (British Transport Police) Statement - http://media.btp.police.uk/r/16549/statement__incident_on_the_railway_near_port_talb

Statement: Incident on the railway near Port Talbot - Wales
Update at 11.50am
 
Shortly before 10am today (03/07), officers from British Transport Police were called to the railway close to Port Talbot in South Wales, following a report of a train striking persons on the tracks.
 
Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service are also on scene, very sadly two persons have been pronounced dead at the scene.
 
Media reports suggest that three persons were struck by a train. Our enquiries have only identified two people who were struck. A third person was treated for shock at the scene, they were not injured.
Superintendent Andy Morgan from British Transport Police, said: “We are making a number of urgent enquiries to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading to this fatal collision.

“Very sadly two people have died and my officers are now working to identify them and ensure that their families are supported at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch have been notified.

[broadgage]

Tragic ,my condolences to all involved especially the driver.

"liked" not of course because I like the news, but because I agree with the sentiments expressed re sympathy with all involved, and with the driver in particular.

[phile]

Ouch. Poor sods. Think I'm going to try heading up to Merthyr later and getting the last X75 of the day down the Vale of Neath, as I imagine it'll not be fun trying to head directly west from Cardiff when they find some rail replacement buses.

GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Journey Check says there are 2 x double buses operating between Cardiff and Swansea.    TFW have sourced buses also.

[grahame]

Many online sources covering the story.  The Wales Online link is being updated as things become clearer, and with reactions.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/train-port-talbot-bridgend-gwr-16523315

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/03/two-rail-workers-dead-hit-train-10107789/

[TaplowGreen]

Speculation elsewhere suggests that the signalman didn't know they were there.

[a-driver]

Speculation elsewhere suggests that the signalman didn't know they were there.

AFAIK^▸ ('as far as I know') they don’t always need to.

Still, desperately sad incident.  I find it absolutely disgusting when the likes of Sky publish pictures from the scene with an area blurred out. Where’s the dignity and respect for those men and all concerned with the incident?

[bobm]

Statement from GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway)

Everyone at GWR is incredibly saddened to learn that two railway colleagues lost their lives this morning, when they were struck by the 0929 service from Swansea to London Paddington.

We have offered our full assistance to the British Transport Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and Network Rail as they seek to understand the circumstances which led to this tragic accident.

We would like to take the time to thank members of the railway community and emergency services who were involved in looking after our customers and colleagues on the train following the incident, and in getting them safely onto alternative transport.

Our deepest condolences and thoughts at this incredibly difficult time are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”

[jamestheredengine]

Ouch. Poor sods. Think I'm going to try heading up to Merthyr later and getting the last X75 of the day down the Vale of Neath, as I imagine it'll not be fun trying to head directly west from Cardiff when they find some rail replacement buses.

GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Journey Check says there are 2 x double buses operating between Cardiff and Swansea.    TFW have sourced buses also.

I needed to head north from Cathays just after 3 for my rather pleasant attempt to emulate the Vale of Neath Railway to work; but good to know that they finally found some buses to fight their way through Cardiff traffic.