RAIB investigates ‘near misses’

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched investigations into two ‘near miss’ incidents involving railway staff at Stafford and Primrose Hill.

On March 2, a northbound train travelling at about 85mph nearly struck the driver of a southbound train at Stafford. The driver had been attending to a train brake fault. Although there were no injuries, RAIB has undertaken a preliminary examination and will publish a safety digest.

On March 11, at 0040, a group of track workers was almost hit by the 2214 Birmingham New Street-London Euston between South Hampstead station and Primrose Hill tunnels. The train was approaching along the Up fast line at approximately 49mph when the driver saw the track workers, sounded the horn, and applied the brakes.

RAIB’s initial investigations suggest the track workers believed they were working on the Up slow line. They removed themselves and two trolleys on the track to safety about two seconds before the train passed. One worker suffered an injured knee, and several who saw the incident were said the be “very distressed”.

The investigation will examine how the intended work was planned and authorised, including: the adequacy of the geographic information provided for those on site; how the work was implemented on site and the way safe work procedures were applied; and the competence management of those involved in the planning, authorisation and implementation of the system of work.