The Rail Accident Investigation branch (RAIB) are to investigate an accident that took place on the Blackpool Tramway leaving a pedestrian seriously injured, who later died.
The accident happened at 18:10pm on the 24th of November 2021 at a pedestrian crossing situated within the segregated section of the tram system just ahead of the road junction of Fleetwood Road and Queens Promenade in Cleveleys.
The junction is controlled by road traffic lights however the pedestrian crossing where the accident happened is not a controlled kind.
The tram had just left Anchorsholme Lane tram stop and was making its way southbound to Starr Gate when the accident took place.
CCTV footage has revealed that traffic at the road junction had stopped for the tram to pass through the junction and onto the segregated section of the tramway.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is undertaking an investigation to pinpoint the order of events that led to the accident.
The investigation will also examine:
- The actions of those involved.
- The design and configuration of the crossing which the pedestrian was using.
- How the design and operation of the crossing was risk assessed.
- The relevant legislation and industry guidance which deals with the design and configuration of pedestrian crossings on tramways.
- Any underlying factors.
RAIB's investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry regulator, the Office of Rail and Rail.
RAIB's findings will be published and will include recommendations of how to improve safety at its conclusion.
