Near miss with ground staff at Washwood Heath
Investigation into a near miss between a train and ground staff at Washwood Heath, Birmingham, 18 September 2025.
Washwood Heath Goods Loop and the Up Derby Slow line (courtesy of Network Rail).
At around 07:20 on 18 September 2025, a train travelling at around 36 mph (58 km/h) was involved in a near miss with a member of ground staff at Washwood Heath near Birmingham.
The ground staff member was engaged in shunting duties on a stationary freight train located on the Washwood Heath Goods Loop. This loop runs adjacent to the Up Derby Slow line, which was open to traffic. The shunter was positioned in the space between the two lines when a train approached on the slow line. Upon hearing the warning horn of the approaching train, the shunter had to quickly move to the rear of the freight train to reach a position of safety.
No one was injured in the incident, and no damage resulted.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the incident. It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and the factors that may have influenced them
- the roles, responsibilities and competence of relevant staff
- the local working instructions and how the risks associated with being on or near a railway line were being controlled
- any underlying management or systemic 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.
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