Train driver confirmed dead in West Worthing station tragedy (01/02/2022)

[physics34]

It seems strange that he got out of his cab after turning round. Are turnarounds done by walking through the train there? It seems he didn't walk back to the station for any reason, so what the cause of it was, I don't know.

Although it might or might not have little relevance here, sadly there still seems to be regular cases of staff (though rarely traincrew) crossing or walking along lines when they don't have the authority, and not seemingly thinking they're doing anything wrong. Given how much it's hammered home where I'm based I find that hard to understand it in anything other than an absolute emergency situation.

Sympathies to all involved, especially the driver of the train involved in the strike, who given the circumstances I've read might be badly impacted themselves.

Going for a wee, a smoke, or something more dreaded that i don't want to mention.

 

[Spartacus]

Going for a wee, a smoke, or something more dreaded that i don't want to mention.

Various crossed my mind, or something being illuminated in the headlights after he changed ends, but I think that's all getting a touch too speculatory.

 

[Signal_Box]

The key point - somewhat buried half-way down the article is this:



This raises a lot of potential questions about adequate protection being given/requested for a line block. Obviously a tragic incident for the driver, colleagues and their family and the driver that sadly struck them.

Let’s not throw stones before we know the facts….

Could well be a deliberate act on the drivers part, or even unauthorised access without permission It’s not always the signallers fault drivers do silly things on occasions.

 

[Horizon22]

Let’s not throw stones before we know the facts….

Could well be a deliberate act on the drivers part, or even unauthorised access without permission It’s not always the signallers fault drivers do silly things on occasions.

I never said it was (see "given OR requested") - as mentioned it's a tragic case and there's some key questions to be answered through an investigation.

 

[Stigy]

The key point - somewhat buried half-way down the article is this:



This raises a lot of potential questions about adequate protection being given/requested for a line block. Obviously a tragic incident for the driver, colleagues and their family and the driver that sadly struck them.

It does, but we have very limited information at the moment and I believe we don’t know about the exact circumstances in respect of whether it was an accident at all.

I can't understand why when something tragic like this happens there is always at least one person that always seems to say "can we refrain from speculation". This is clearly in reference to Horizons quote which was not in any way derogatory towards anyone involved but simply made valid points as Horizon is someone who clearly has experience in rail operations. I know rumours often start through gossip but this is not the case here and while we're at it what is the point in having this section of the forum if we cannot discuss things. We are all saddened but are we only allowed to put "thoughts to all involved" because 1) That is a given for any decent person and 2) Is everyone really tuning in just to read that alone?

I assume given the username, Southern Dvr may want to remind people of this because it’s extremely close to home for them? It’s difficult to avoid speculation admittedly (I mean, my first paragraph might be considered by some as speculation?).

 

[pompeyfan]

It does, but we have very limited information at the moment and I believe we don’t know about the exact circumstances in respect of whether it was an accident at all.

The people that need the information, have the information. What they don’t have is the why.

It’s reported that the Driver had changed ends and set up, it wasn’t until the guard was asked to investigate by control that the horrors became evident.

 

[Eyersey468]

My condolences to his family and sympathy to all those involved

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Very sad.

 

[trainmania100]

Very sad. I believe a similar sort of thing is done on the underground at Harrow and wealdstone. To avoid further tragedies like this they could maybe reverse these units at Worthing's third platform instead ? Then, like others have said, if the driver did need the toilet (313s have no toilets) during his break/reversal which in this case is a (I assume) poor clearance siding he can use the station facilities. Like what's done with the hove shuttles

 

[Signal_Box]

Very sad. I believe a similar sort of thing is done on the underground at Harrow and wealdstone. To avoid further tragedies like this they could maybe reverse these units at Worthing's third platform instead ? Then, like others have said, if the driver did need the toilet (313s have no toilets) during his break/reversal which in this case is a (I assume) poor clearance siding he can use the station facilities. Like what's done with the hove shuttles

It’s not unknown to pee in a bottle…especially on units with no operational WC.

Taking one’s own life isn’t unknown on duty, the tradgic lose of a northern guard some years ago. Just because someone reports for duty and undertakes said duty doesn’t mean their not going to take their life.

I worked with a driver who did this back in 2007. Reported, did some shunts then took his life, left a family behind outwardly a very happy chap obviously he was carrying significant mental health burdens.

 

[pompeyfan]

“Driver tizer” isn’t for everyone though. And the fact the cab had been set up would suggest it was misadventure than intentional.

 

[Signal_Box]

“Driver tizer” isn’t for everyone though. And the fact the cab had been set up would suggest it was misadventure than intentional.

All drivers know the dangers of unauthorised track access, especially at night why would they risk it ?

Something has gone horribly wrong, whether that an intentional act or accident.

If it’s an intentional act, then the industry needs to take a very long look at its self or we could have a German Wings style incident in the future. Not impossible, but difficult granted.

 

[theking]

“Driver tizer” isn’t for everyone though. And the fact the cab had been set up would suggest it was misadventure than intentional.

To be honest no one should be pissing in bottles or in the cess, if you want to go toilet you call up and say I'm having an emergency pnb (at wherever the nearest toilet is either at terminal or on route) if the box don't like it tough.

 

[Signal_Box]

To be honest no one should be pissing in bottles or in the cess, if you want to go toilet you call up and say I'm having an emergency pnb (at wherever the nearest toilet is either at terminal or on route) if the box don't like it tough.

if there is a WC at a station or on the train….

As former traincrew some WCs on stations and trains are utterly horrific - pissing in a bottle is a much lesser threat to health and life !

NO signaller will ever refuse to allow crew to use a WC, screw the service your health is much more important. SPAD caused by the driver needing a wee isn’t good.

 

[pompeyfan]

To be honest no one should be pissing in bottles or in the cess, if you want to go toilet you call up and say I'm having an emergency pnb (at wherever the nearest toilet is either at terminal or on route) if the box don't like it tough.

And yet, I’ve seen first hand DSMs/DMs/DCMs whatever you want to call driver managers berate drivers for stopping for an emergency PNB and the TIN created.

 

[Signal_Box]

And yet, I’ve seen first hand DSMs/DMs/DCMs whatever you want to call driver managers berate drivers for stopping for an emergency PNB and the TIN created.

Indeed, safety, safety, safety….until it starts costing money.

 

[bramling]

All drivers know the dangers of unauthorised track access, especially at night why would they risk it ?

Something has gone horribly wrong, whether that an intentional act or accident.

If it’s an intentional act, then the industry needs to take a very long look at its self or we could have a German Wings style incident in the future. Not impossible, but difficult granted.

A German Wings style incident is possible any time we get on a vehicle operated by someone else. There isn’t a massive amount which can be done to avoid it were someone to be absolutely intent.

Indeed it’s a risk we take when we step out of our front doors that someone else could have nefarious intent.

It’s a risk that is so low it isn’t something I’d give much thought to when getting on a mode of transport.

 

[physics34]

And yet, I’ve seen first hand DSMs/DMs/DCMs whatever you want to call driver managers berate drivers for stopping for an emergency PNB and the TIN created.

I hope not many do. Southern don't, although you have to write a report at end of duty

 

[LAX54]

And yet, I’ve seen first hand DSMs/DMs/DCMs whatever you want to call driver managers berate drivers for stopping for an emergency PNB and the TIN created.

Although it will go as a TG in the delays, just as when a signaller nips to the loo, it goes as an OC, it's just a place to put the minutes that it created.

 

[theageofthetra]

And yet, I’ve seen first hand DSMs/DMs/DCMs whatever you want to call driver managers berate drivers for stopping for an emergency PNB and the TIN created.

Well frankly I hope to see one of those morons having to explain their actions at a judge led enquiry.

if there is a WC at a station or on the train….

As former traincrew some WCs on stations and trains are utterly horrific - pissing in a bottle is a much lesser threat to health and life !

NO signaller will ever refuse to allow crew to use a WC, screw the service your health is much more important. SPAD caused by the driver needing a wee isn’t good.

In an industry that loves to says it's making the job more attractive to female drivers, that in 2022 staff are having to go to the toilet out of a cab door or in a bottle is outrageous.

If the unit has no toilet the minimum turnaround time should be greater to allow drivers or other crew to use a station or staff facility. Why unions continue to agree these ludicrous turn around times is beyond me.
Perhaps few more female company council members or leaders might change things.
Possibly we need a separate thread on this issue?

 

[Master29]

Because some may know the victim personally. 'speculation'. Doesn't help and is often wrong.

Indeed. On this level I concur

Just because someone has experience of rail operations, doesn't mean they know the rules required. A lot depends on where you sit in relation to the incident.

As a Driver I am fully aware of the rules involved going onto the track. Something in this case went horrifically wrong.

For some of us the is very real and close to home. Going out onto the track on a live railway can have serious consequences. Others don't often see that and almost encourage trespass during an incident. When those harsh realities stare us in the face it can be difficult.

If someone wants to discuss a specific instruction or scenario then, in times like this, start another thread.



Discussion and speculation are different.

Something went horrifically wrong. Obvious and correct but still speculation. I don't see a problem with this but you say that speculation and discussion are different. In your opinion of course but others may see this differently. I see quite a few other quotes on this thread that are clearly speculative but not necessarily upsetting to the family of the poor fellow.

 

[deltic]

In an industry that loves to says it's making the job more attractive to female drivers, that in 2022 staff are having to go to the toilet out of a cab door or in a bottle is outrageous.

Well said

 

[AlterEgo]

If it’s an intentional act, then the industry needs to take a very long look at its self or we could have a German Wings style incident in the future. Not impossible, but difficult granted.

Sorry but there is no evidence at this stage that this act was intentional, and even if it was, simply committing suicide while on the clock is nothing like the murder perpetrated by the pilot in the incident you describe.

 

[robbeech]

Well frankly I hope to see one of those morons having to explain their actions at a judge led enquiry.

I'd rather they never had to myself to be honest.

 

[Signal_Box]

Sorry but there is no evidence at this stage that this act was intentional, and even if it was, simply committing suicide while on the clock is nothing like the murder perpetrated by the pilot in the incident you describe.

Quite, taking one’s own life at work isn’t that uncommon sadly. I know of two personally, and one nationally who two of which where railway employees on duty at the time.

Taking your own life isn’t a shameful act, it’s an act of extreme desperation.

Setting up the cab or another routine act prior to taking their life is often a act of trying to soften the burden of whoever finds them or ensures they don’t be left for hours unfound.

Like I say I speak with some experience of these matters unfortunately.

Either way a family said goodbye to a father, husband, partner yesterday who didn’t come back after work. We as an industry need to find out what happened, why and how to stop it happening again.

 

[Mag_seven]

This thread is now locked.

As soon as the investigating authorities have established the full facts behind this tragic event we will look to unlocking the thread.

Thank you.

 

[ainsworth74]

It has been brought to our attention that a JustGiving page has been set up to support the family and help cover funeral costs. You can find it here:

Help raise £5000 to support Michael's family and to cover funeral costs – JustGiving Crowdfunding

Iʼm raising money to support Michael's family and to cover funeral costs. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

www.justgiving.com

 

[ainsworth74]

The RAIB have announced that they've started an investigation and given a short update:

At around 20:33 hrs on 1 February 2022, a train traveling at approximately 33 mph (53 km/h) passed a stationary train that was waiting in a siding, around 300 metres to the west of West Worthing station. As it did so, it struck and fatally injured the driver of the stationary train, who had previously exited the train’s cab and descended to track level.

The train driver who was struck had earlier driven his train from Brighton to West Worthing and had then driven it into the siding where the accident occurred. The train was timetabled to wait here for a short time before returning to West Worthing station and forming the next passenger service to Brighton. Train drivers should not normally need to leave their trains as part of their duties while waiting in this siding.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident. It will also consider:

• the actions of those involved, including how the train driver involved came to be in a position where he could be struck by the passing train
• the methods of working used by staff working on and around the siding
• the layout and condition of the siding involved
• any underlying factors.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

[Withdrawn] Train driver struck and fatally injured by a passing train near West Worthing station

Investigation into a train driver struck and fatally injured by a passing train near West Worthing station on 1 February 2022.

www.gov.uk

 

[ainsworth74]

The RAIB investigation has now been completed and the full report can be found here with the summary below:

Summary​

At around 20:33 hrs on Tuesday 1 February 2022, a passenger train travelling at approximately 33 mph (53 km/h) struck a train driver who had previously exited the cab of a train, which was stationary in West Worthing Middle Siding. The driver suffered injuries that were immediately fatal. It was dark at the time of the accident, and the crew in the moving train were initially unaware that they had struck a person.

When the stationary train in the middle siding did not leave at its scheduled departure time, the signaller attempted to contact the driver. When the signaller could not get a response, he instructed the next train on an adjacent line to stop alongside the stationary train and to contact the driver. The driver of this third train found the driver who had been struck.

RAIB determined that, before leaving the stationary train in the middle siding, the driver did not tell the train’s guard or the signaller that he intended to do so. He also did not request that trains on the adjacent lines be stopped. RAIB has not been able to establish why the driver left the cab of his train. However, in considering only those factors relating to railway safety, RAIB has concluded that the driver was unlikely to have accidentally fallen out of the cab or left it intentionally for a work- related reason and that he most probably exited the train for a personal reason. This may have been to urinate or to smoke a cigarette, possibly in the belief that it was safe for him to be outside of his train.

The driver then entered the path of the approaching train. He may have done this inadvertently after a loss of balance or while trying to regain his feet following a fall from the cab access steps or a loss of footing on ballast. He may also have slipped or tripped on a wooden board that had been left detached on the track for many years.

Recommendations​

RAIB has made three recommendations. The first recommendation, made to Govia Thameslink Railway, requires that on-train staff have adequate access to toilets across all of their routes. The second recommendation is made to the Department for Transport, in conjunction with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, and relates to reviewing standards to ensure the mandatory fitment of forward-facing CCTV equipment to new trains. The third recommendation is made to the Rail Safety and Standards Board, in conjunction with operators of trains, and encourages consideration of fitment of forward-facing CCTV equipment to existing trains.

RAIB has also identified four learning points. The first reminds traincrew to arrange appropriate protection before leaving their cabs. The second highlights the importance of wearing suitable personal protective equipment. The third learning point prompts infrastructure managers to take timely action to remove tripping hazards. The final learning point reminds employers of train drivers to assure themselves that the correct protective equipment is being worn by their staff.

 

[O L Leigh]

That's a horrible incident. Such a terrible thing to happen. I note the RAIB's findings and recommendations, and fully understand that we will never know the reasons why this happened.

On a side-note, I am unsure how a request for a line blockage due to "personal reasons" would be viewed. I certainly would never countenance attempting to take one under such circumstances, no matter how urgent, because I don't think it would be taken seriously, either by the controlling signaller or by my employer. My concerns may be misplaced, but I do feel that I would get into hot water over something like this.

As a consequence, this does put the onus onto the industry to provide better staff facilities, especially to those working stock without toilets. I've been in this position before when working similar units, when getting to a station where the facilities have been locked to prevent vandalism and there is no staff to unlock the staff facilities. This isn't a particularly acceptable situation and inevitably results in staff having to make their own emergency arrangements.

All that said, it is also a good reminder to staff not to take any chances when on the line. I'm not suggesting that anything of the sort happened here (although, as noted above, the reasons for this incident will remain unknowable), but sometimes we can be guilty of taking risks that really we shouldn't, which can sometimes end up costing a life.