The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has released its report on a train driver being struck by a train near West Worthing Middle Siding in West Sussex.
At around 20:33, on Tuesday 1st February 2022, a passenger train was travelling at 33 mph when it struck a train driver who had exited the cab of a train that was stationery in West Worthing Middle Siding.
It was dark at the time of the incident, and whilst the train driver had suffered fatal injuries, the crew of the moving train were initially unaware that they had hit a person.
However, when the stationary train did not leave the Middle Siding at its scheduled time, the signaller attempted to contact the driver, and when he could not get a response, he asked the next train to stop alongside the stationary train and contact the driver.
The driver of this third train then found the driver who had been struck.
Findings from the investigation deemed that the driver of the stationary train did not tell the guard nor the signaller that he intended to leave the train, and also did not request that trains were stopped on adjacent lines to allow this to happen.
The RAIB has not been able to find out why the driver left the cab of his train. However, after considering factors relating to railway safety, the RAIB says it is unlikely that he accidentally fell out of the cab or left it intentionally.
It has been deemed that the driver must have left the train for a personal reason (to go to the toilet, or have a cigarette for example), and possible believed it was safe for him to be outside of his train.
The driver, now outside of his cab, then entered the path of the approaching train. This may have occurred due to losing his balance or while trying regaining his feet after a fall from the cab steps. Have may have also tripped on a wooden board that had been left detached on the track for many years.
In light of the investigation, the RAIB has made three recommendations:
RAIB has made three recommendations. The first recommendation, made to Govia Thameslink Railway, requires that on-train staff have adequate access to toilets across all of their routes. The second recommendation is made to the Department for Transport, in conjunction with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, and relates to reviewing standards to ensure the mandatory fitment of forward-facing CCTV equipment to new trains. The third recommendation is made to the Rail Safety and Standards Board, in conjunction with operators of trains, and encourages consideration of fitment of forward-facing CCTV equipment to existing trains.
RAIB has also identified four learning points. The first reminds traincrew to arrange appropriate protection before leaving their cabs. The second highlights the importance of wearing suitable personal protective equipment. The third learning point prompts infrastructure managers to take timely action to remove tripping hazards. The final learning point reminds employers of train drivers to assure themselves that the correct protective equipment is being worn by their staff.
