Investigation launched following death of railway worker – Eastleigh

Tributes have been paid to a Network Rail worker who has died at the Eastleigh long welded rail depot.

Detectives at British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the death of the railway worker on Monday.

Officers were called to Eastleigh Railway Depot at 2.50pm following reports that a railway worker had become injured while using a piece of machinery.

Paramedics also attended however sadly, despite their best efforts, a 53-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail’s chief executive, said: “With great sadness I can confirm a Network Rail colleague lost their life at our Eastleigh long welded rail depot yesterday afternoon. We’re working with the British Transport Police to understand what happened, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed. As soon as we can say more we will do so, but our thoughts are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.”

British Transport Police say a man in his forties was arrested in connection to the incident at the scene and was taken to police custody for questioning. He has now been released under investigation.

Officers are currently working alongside the Health and Safety Executive to establish the full circumstances behind the railway worker’s death.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley said: “This is a tragic incident and our deepest condolences are with the man’s family who are being supported by specially trained officers.

“A full and thorough investigation into the incident is now underway, alongside the Health and Safety Executive, to establish exactly what happened to lead to this railway worker’s sad death.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who thinks they may have useful information to get in touch with us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 229 of 30 November.”

Transport union TSSA says it is saddened to learn of the fatality of a Network Rail colleague at the Long Welded Rail Facility in Eastleigh.

The union is sending condolences to the family and colleagues of the worker involved and calling for a thorough investigation into the fatal incident.

“This is a sad reminder of the need for rigorously safe working practices at all times across our railways and all of our workplaces,” said TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes.

“This is a sad day for our railway family and we send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Network Rail worker who was killed yesterday.

“While safety standards have improved in recent years, this fatality is a sad reminder of the need for rigorously safe working practices at all times across our railways and all of our workplaces.

“We expect a full investigation to be carried out and any lessons to be fully implemented.”

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