News story

Track workers struck by ballast, Chathill

Track workers struck by ballast thrown from the track bed by a passing train near Chathill, Northumbria, 16 February 2017.

This news article was withdrawn on

This item has been moved to the National Archives as RAIB has published its safety digest describing this incident. See safety digest 07/2017.

Library image of track and ballast

Library image of track and ballast

At around 10:10 hrs on 16 February 2017 two track workers were struck by flying ballast. This was thrown from the track bed by a train on which a flexible hose had become detached at one end and was dragging on the ground. Neither track worker suffered significant injury.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this accident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

The safety digest will shortly be made available on our website.

Published 2 March 2017