The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation following a driver being injured during a shunting operation.

The accident occurred at around 00:45 on the 28th April 2026, when a driver was seriously injured during shunting at Carstairs station, South Lanarkshire.

The operation involved two portions of the Caledonian Sleeper service (1C11, from Edinburgh, and train 1M11, from Glasgow), which had been coupled together. The locomotive from 1C11 was detached, allowing the rest of the combined train to continue on its journey.

The driver and driver assessor for 1C11 positioned themselves on the track to conduct training with the coupling equipment.

They were positioned close to the locomotive during this training when 1M11 moved towards them.

The train was spotted just before it reached them, with both attempting to move clear. The driver assessor was able to move clear and remained unhurt. Unfortunately, the driver sustained serious injuries to their hand after becoming trapped.

RAIB’s investigation will identify the events leading up to the accident, considering the actions of those involved, the planning of the shunting operation, arrangements for staff working on or near the tracks, risk management, and any underlying factors.