Two killed by train near Port Talbot - there are delays to services through Newport

Superintendent Andy Morgan said the two rail workers were wearing ear defenders and may not have heard it coming.

He said: “Shortly before 10am this morning we received a report of a train striking multiple persons on the tracks here in Port Talbot. Our units were very quickly on scene, alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service. 

“Very sadly, A 58-year-old man from North Connelly and a 64-year-old man from Kenfig Hill were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A third person was treated for shock but was thankfully uninjured. 

“Our thoughts are with their families as they come to terms with this tragic news

“Following a number of urgent enquiries into this tragic incident, it has been established that the three people were railway workers who were working on the lines at the time.

“The initial stages of the investigation suggest that the two men who died had been wearing ear defenders at the time, tragically, could not hear the a passenger train approaching. 

“We have a number of officers who remain in the area and we are continuing to work alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to understand the full circumstances of what happened in the moments before this incredibly sad, fatal collision.

“The two men’s families have been both informed and we will be providing them with as much help and support as possible through this undoubtedly difficult and distressing time. 

“Likewise, we will make sure those who witnessed this traumatic incident, both at the scene and on board the striking train, receive the necessary support they require. 
 
“I would also like to thank those on board the train for their patience and understanding while our officers and colleagues from Wales Ambulance Service responded to the incident today, as well as those effected by the ongoing disruption across the area.”

UPDATE: 6.10pm

Delays are expected to continue until this evening.

UPDATE: 3.47pm

Services arriving at and departing from Newport are still being delayed and cancelled.

Trains heading towards both London and Cardiff are among those still affected by the earlier incident near Port Talbot.

For up-to-the-minute train information, ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/ldbboard/arr/NWP

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TWO people have been killed after being hit by a train near Port Talbot.

The pair, who are believed to be railway workers, were hit by the train shortly before 10am today.

The incident has led to serious disruption of services to and from Swansea, with a number of London Paddington trains - that would also stop at Newport - being cancelled.

Services to Manchester Piccadilly are also affected, and passengers travelling from Newport and other Gwent stations to Swansea and other destinations are advised to check timetables.

A third person is being treated for shock following the incident, but it is not known whether they are also a railway worker.

Passengers remain stuck on the train between Bridgend and Port Talbot, with Network Rail warning people to expect disruption.

https://www.gwr.com/plan-journey/stations-and-routes/newport-south-wales

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Port Talbot and Pyle. Passengers should be aware that services are disrupted.

"We advise passengers to check before they travel."

Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service are on the scene.

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Bill Kelly, route director, Network Rail Wales, said: “We are shocked and distressed to confirm that two members of our team lost their lives today in an accident involving a train.

"We do not know the details behind this dreadful accident and we are fully cooperating with the British Transport Police and Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

"Our thoughts are with the families of our colleagues and our members of staff who will be affected by this tragic loss, and we will provide all the support we can.”

In a statement, the British Transport Police said: "Shortly before 10am today (03/07), 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.

"Media reports suggest that three persons were struck by a train. Our enquiries have only identified two people who were struck. A third person was treated for shock at the scene, they were not injured."

Superintendent Andy Morgan from British Transport Police, 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 have been notified.