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.

• From: Rail Accident Investigation Branch
• Published: 2 March 2017

This news article was withdrawn on 8 May 2017

This item has been moved to the National Archives as RAIB has published its safety digest describing this incident. See safety digest 07/2017.

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.

Published 2 March 2017