Two railway workers tragically died yesterday (3 July) when they were struck by a passenger train near Port Talbot, the British Transport Police has confirmed
The railway workers who were struck by the train in South Wales were wearing ear defenders and could not hear it approaching.
Shortly before 10 am, officers from British Transport Police were called to the railway close to Port Talbot in South Wales, following a report of a train striking persons on the tracks.
Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service were also on scene, but sadly two persons were pronounced dead at the scene.
A third person was treated for shock at the scene, they were not injured.
Superintendent Andy Morgan from British Transport Police, said: “Shortly before 10 am this morning we received a report of a train striking multiple persons on the tracks here in Port Talbot. Our units were very quickly on scene, alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service.
“Very sadly, a 58-year-old man from North Connelly and a 64-year-old man from Kenfig Hill were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A third person was treated for shock but was thankfully uninjured.
“Our thoughts are with their families as they come to terms with this tragic news
“Following a number of urgent enquiries into this tragic incident, it has been established that the three people were railway workers who were working on the lines at the time.
“The initial stages of the investigation suggest that the two men who died had been wearing ear defenders at the time, tragically, could not hear the passenger train approaching.
“We have a number of officers who remain in the area and we are continuing to work alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to understand the full circumstances of what happened in the moments before this incredibly sad, fatal collision.
“The two men’s families have been both informed and we will be providing them with as much help and support as possible through this undoubtedly difficult and distressing time.
“Likewise, we will make sure those who witnessed this traumatic incident, both at the scene and on board the striking train, receive the necessary support they require.
“I would also like to thank those on board the train for their patience and understanding while our officers and colleagues from Wales Ambulance Service responded to the incident today, as well as those effected by the ongoing disruption across the area.”
