The RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) is to investigate a near miss between a Thameslink train and an engineering supervisor/track worker in Harpenden.

The incident, which took place on Saturday, 7th March at 23:41, was caught on CCTV camera from the leading cab of the Thameslink unit.

At the time of the incident, the supervisor was walking along the Down Fast Line, which was still open to trains. He was only made aware of an approaching train travelling at 62 mph just moments before it reached him, and he jumped out of the way over a second before it passed him.

The engineering supervisor/track worker was placing site marker boards for the following day’s engineering works on the up and down slow lines between Radlett and Flitwick Junctions. He had accessed the railway via the designated access point near the down fast line in the Harpenden area.

The RAIB investigation, which is undertaken independently of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) investigation, will look into the actions of the track worker.

The plan of action, which was being followed from access to the lineside to placing the marker boards. The roles and responsibilities of the member of staff, along with other management factors.