A shocking photograph has revealed the terrifying moment a train came perilously close to striking two railway workers near London Bridge station.
A Narrow Escape on the Tracks
The incident, classified as a serious "near miss" by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 30 July this year. At approximately 12.37am, a train travelling between Blackfriars and London Bridge approached the two workers who were on the track.
CCTV footage captured the critical moment the workers realised the danger and scrambled onto a lineside walkway for shelter. The driver, who was unable to see them initially, applied the emergency brake when they were spotted.
The train was travelling at 19 miles per hour on a curved section of track. It managed to stop with less than 60 metres separating it from the workers' position. Fortunately, no one was injured and no damage was caused.
Investigation Uncovers Safety Lapses
The RAIB investigation identified a crucial error that led to the dangerous situation. One of the workers, a relatively new employee with contractor Vital Rail who had been in the role for less than three months, incorrectly placed a safety marker known as a Possession Limit Board (PLB).
This board is a temporary stop signal used to warn train drivers that staff are working in the area. The worker, who was on their first shift at London Bridge, had initially placed it correctly but then doubted the position and moved it.
Further complicating matters, the worker had arrived late and missed their in-person safety briefing, which subsequently took place by phone. Vital Rail stated they had expected the worker to arrive on time.
Seconds From Disaster
The report details that the near miss unfolded rapidly. The worker's colleague challenged the incorrect placement of the PLB, and the pair were consulting their safe work pack when a train passed on an adjacent line.
Only a few seconds later, the train involved in the near miss approached on the very line where they were standing. The RAIB noted that the new worker was being supported by a qualified and experienced Possession Support Assistant at the time.
This incident highlights the constant dangers faced by track workers and underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on the UK's rail network.
