AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of a man on the railway line in Tibberton earlier this month.
The incident happened on an area of track near Evelench Lane around 9.55am on February 6 when the train was travelling at 99mph.
Initial examinations by the Government’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch suggest it could have been caused by the man crossing in foggy conditions.
Evidence indicates another train travelling in the opposite direction had passed the crossing shortly before.
The man had been waiting at the crossing for the passage of that train and then started to cross seemingly unaware that another train was approaching. The weather at the time of the accident was foggy.
The investigation will look at the measures in place to deal with the risks associated with using the Tibberton No. 8 crossing in foggy conditions, and consider the relevance of the passing of the two trains at that point on their journeys.
The RAIB investigation is independent of any carried out by the railway industry, the British Transport Police or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
The findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, will be published when it has been completed.
