The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation after an incident at the Bluebell Railway.
The incident happened on the 9th August when two steam locomotives were being coupled together at Sheffield Park station.
One of the locomotives began to move unexpectedly during the coupling up, and meant both steam locomotives moved around 4 metres at slow speed.
A volunteer was between the two locomotives coupling them up and meant that he had to walk between the two locomotives to avoid being struck.
Thankfully, the volunteer was not injured but was shaken by the incident.
The RAIB’s investigation will consider:
- the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them
- the management of the staff involved, including their training and competence
- the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with the coupling and shunting of trains
- any relevant underlying factors.
Responses
Well thank goodness he was not injured
I am retired from GWR I really enjoyed my job , I was at Bristol Temple Meads for 27 years. They were very good to work with great work colleagues as well . I was on before in the 1960 s had a total of 37 years all told . It was & still is very safety critical work . Am enjoying my membership very much cheers !!
I imagine this was not a pleasant experience,4 metres is a long way to be effectively trapped between 2 locomotives
Whoops, who forgot to apply the handbrake. There must be a rule regarding stopping this from happening.