British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are investigating the death of a railway worker in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Officers were called to Eastleigh Long Welded Rail Depot at 14:50 on Monday 30 November 2020 following reports that a Network Rail worker had become injured while using a piece of machinery. Transport union TSSA reported that the worker was carrying out plant maintenance when he suffered crushing injuries.
Paramedics also attended. However, despite their best efforts, the 53-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A man in his forties was arrested by BTP in connection with the incident and was taken into police custody for questioning. He has now been released under investigation.
Police 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.”
Transport union TSSA sent condolences to the family and colleagues of the worker involved and called for a thorough investigation into the fatal incident. General Secretary Manuel Cortes said: “This is a sad reminder of the need for rigorously safe working practices at all times across our railways and all of our workplaces.”
“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.”
Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, commented: “With great sadness I can confirm a Network Rail colleague lost their life at our Eastleigh long welded rail depot yesterday afternoon (Monday 30 November 2020).
“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.”
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