News story

Track worker struck by a train near Chalfont & Latimer station

Track worker struck by a train near Chalfont & Latimer station, Buckinghamshire, 15 April 2022.

This news article was withdrawn on

This item has been moved to the National Archives as RAIB has published its report describing this accident. See report 05/2023.

The location where the accident took place

The location where the accident took place

At around 09:31 hrs on Friday 15 April 2022, a track worker was struck by a train near Chalfont & Latimer station, Buckinghamshire, sustaining injuries that required hospital treatment.

The train involved, which was a London Underground Metropolitan line service from Baker Street to Chesham, was travelling at around 25 mph (40 km/h) on a section of track used by trains running in both directions, where the maximum permitted speed is 35 mph (56 km/h). There are two other running lines at this location.

The track worker was part of a group of three staff who were undertaking a scheduled track inspection. This was planned to take place while lines were open to traffic and with a system of work in place intended to keep staff away from moving trains.

Our investigation will aim to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident and will include consideration of:

  • the actions of those involved
  • the planned system of work
  • the arrangements in place for planning work where lines are open to traffic
  • the management of the competence of track workers
  • any relevant 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.

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Published 27 April 2022