Two railway workers have died after being struck by a train on railway tracks in south Wales.
British Transport Police (BTP) said officers were called to the scene, between Bridgend and Port Talbot, shortly before 10am on Wednesday. A third person was treated for shock at the scene, but was not injured, BTP said.
BTP Superintendent Andy Morgan said: “We are making a number of urgent enquiries to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading to this fatal collision.
“Very sadly two people have died and my officers are now working to identify them and ensure that their families are supported at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.
A BTP spokesman was unable to confirm whether or not the victims were railway workers, although it is not believed maintenance work is currently taking place on that stretch of track.
Cancellations
Great Western Railway (GWR) said all stations between Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend would not be served and disruption was expected between Swansea and Cardiff until the end of the day.
It advised passengers not to travel between Swansea and Cardiff until further notice.
National Rail said trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes in the area, with replacement buses running on some routes.
In a statement, British Transport Police said: “Shortly before 10am today, officers from British Transport Police were called to the railway close to Port Talbot in south Wales, following a report of a train striking persons on the tracks.
“Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service are also on scene, very sadly two persons have been pronounced dead at the scene.”
Superintendent Andy Morgan said: “We are making a number of urgent enquiries to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading to this fatal collision.
“Very sadly two people have died and my officers are now working to identify them and ensure that their families are supported at this incredibly difficult time.”
Transport Secretary Ken Skates has tweeted: “Deeply shocked by the news about the tragic incident involving railway workers near Margam this morning, and my thoughts are with the families of those involved.”
Jeremy Corbyn, Labour leader, spoke at Prime Minister’s Questions saying: “I’m sure the whole house will want to express their condolences to the families of those rail workers who were hit and killed by a train this morning in Port Talbot.
“There will obviously have to be a full investigation into this, but our thoughts must be with the families and friends of those who were killed and injured.”
Aberavon MP, Stephen Kinnock tweeted: “I’m very concerned to see reports of the tragic accident on the rail line between Bridgend and Port Talbot… This is awful news, and my thoughts are with the families of all concerned.”
Information from gwr.com
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