HomeGeneral InterestFatal accident at Network Rail’s Eastleigh facility

Fatal accident at Network Rail’s Eastleigh facility

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A Network Rail worker has died in an accident at the Eastleigh Long Welded Rail Depot near Southampton on the afternoon of Monday 30 November.

Initial reports indicate that the worker was carrying out plant maintenance and died as a result of crushing injuries.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers were called to Eastleigh Railway Depot at 2.50pm following reports that a railway worker had become injured while carrying out plant maintenance.

Paramedics also attended however sadly despite their best efforts, a 53-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, apparently as a result of crushing injuries.

A man in his forties was arrested in connection to the incident at the scene and was taken to police custody for questioning. He has now been released under investigation.

BTP officers are currently working alongside the Health and Safety Executive to establish the full circumstances behind the railway worker’s death.

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.”

All Network Rail staff have been informed of the incident via email and support is being made available to all staff.  

Network Rail issued a statement from chief executive Andrew Haines shortly afterwards: “With great sadness I can confirm a Network Rail colleague lost their life at our Eastleigh long welded rail depot yesterday afternoon (Monday 30 November 2020). 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.”

TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes stated: “This is a sad reminder of the need for rigorously safe working practices at all times across our railways and all of our workplaces.

“While safety standards have improved in recent years, this fatality is a sad reminder of the need for rigorously safe working practices at all times across our railways and all of our workplaces. 

“We expect a full investigation to be carried out and any lessons to be fully implemented.” 

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