Tragedy at Eastleigh

A NETWORK Rail member of staff was killed in an incident at the Eastleigh Long Welded Rail Depot near Southampton on November 30, 2020. It is suggested he succumbed to crushing injuries while carrying out plant maintenance. Despite the attendance of paramedics, the 53-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. At the same time a man in his 40s was arrested and questioned by police; he was subsequently released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley said: “This is a tragic incident, and our deepest condolences are with the man’s family who are being supported by specially trained officers. A full and thorough investigation into the incident is now underway, alongside the Health and Safety Executive, to establish exactly what happened to lead to this railway worker’s sad death.”

Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines said: “With great sadness I can confirm a Network Rail colleague lost his life at our Eastleigh Long Welded Rail Depot yesterday afternoon (November 30). We’re working with the British Transport Police to understand what happened, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed. As soon as we can say more we will do so, but our thoughts are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.”