ScotRail train used to transport dead body

AN investigation has been launched after a ScotRail passenger train was used to transport the body of a man believed to have been hit by a freight train.

A late-night service from Glasgow to Carlisle with six passengers on board stopped near Dumfries so the body could be loaded onto the train shortly before midnight on January 19.

The passengers were moved to another carriage during the recovery operation, which has only now come to light.

The unusual move was made because of the significant distance to the nearest road – a decision British Transport Police has said is made ‘occasionally’.

The train’s conductor is believed to have been upset but ScotRail said it was the ‘most dignified way’ of removing the body.

Emergency services workers had to walk more than a mile along the track to reach the scene after parking their vehicles at a signal box three miles north of Dumfries.

It was decided the best option was to use the train, which was due to reach Dumfries just before midnight, to move the body.

The man who died is believed to have been struck by a goods train earlier in the evening in what is understood to have been a suicide.

Bodies are normally removed from railway lines by road, as many such deaths take place at locations with better vehicle access.

A source said: ‘A manager has asked for an investigation. A person on board was upset.’

The latest British Transport Police (BTP) figures show 14 ‘nonsuspicious fatalities’ on Scotland’s railway network between April and December last year.

Another industry source said: ‘A “dignity crew” drove to the nearest location, at Holywood signal box, and walked up the track.

‘The last train was held while the body was loaded aboard. The body was on the train for a very short time and taken off at Dumfries.

‘This is not common or policy, but given the circumstances it was the most dignified way of getting the body clear of the track.

‘BTP and the Scottish Ambulance Service believed it was the best course of action.’

ScotRail declined to say whether or not a complaint had been received because it said it did not comment on individual staff.

A spokesman for ScotRail said: ‘We worked closely with the emergency services to ensure this tragic event was handled in the most dignified way possible.’

A spokesman for BTP said: ‘When deaths happen in rural areas where there are long distances to the nearest road, trains may be used to transport a deceased person into the care of the procurator fiscal.

‘In these cases, permission will be sought from the train operating company and the deceased will be accompanied by BTP officers.

‘To ensure their dignity, they will always travel in a separate and private area to any other passengers.’

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.

‘The most dignified way possible’