Line-side workers near miss, Dutton Viaduct
Near miss between a train and line-side workers on Dutton Viaduct, between Crewe and Runcorn, Cheshire, 18 September 2017.
Image shows the three line-side workers involved in the left-hand refuge on the viaduct. Image taken from forward-facing camera on a northbound train. The near miss occurred with a subsequent southbound train as the group of workers crossed the tracks (courtesy of Virgin Trains).
At around 16:57 hrs on Monday 18th September 2017, a passenger train travelling at 125 mph (200 km/h), encountered three line-side workers on Dutton Viaduct. The workers managed to move clear of the track less than ½ second before the train passed them. No injuries were caused to the workers, but the train driver was shaken by the incident.
We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.
The safety digest will shortly be made available on our website.