News story
Track workers struck by ballast, Chathill
Track workers struck by ballast thrown from the track bed by a passing train near Chathill, Northumbria, 16 February 2017.
Library image of track and ballast
At around 10:10 hrs on 16 February 2017 two track workers were struck by flying ballast. This was thrown from the track bed by a train on which a flexible hose had become detached at one end and was dragging on the ground. Neither track worker suffered significant injury.
We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this accident. 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.