On the 29th of April 2025, an incident occurred with a train operated by South Western Railway and three track workers.

Track workers were walking back to Bookham station through the Bookham Tunnel.

Having had a line blockage arranged, which should’ve prevented a train from coming through the tunnel at the time, train workers walked through.

Upon hearing the train, which was travelling around 30 mph, two workers hid in refuges within the tunnel walls, however, the third worker had to lean against the tunnel wall to avoid being hit.

Fortunately, no one was injured and no damage occurred, however, there will be an investigation into why this happened.

It had been discovered that the line blockage was arranged for the nearby Mickleham Tunnel, which does not prevent trains from using the Bookham Tunnel.

The investigation will look at those involved and the factors that may have affected them, how the work was planned and whether the risks were managed appropriately, the roles, responsibilities and work patterns of staff and any further management factors.

The completed investigation report will be available in due course.