Two families have come forward to pay tribute to two rail workers who tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident that took place in 2019. Gareth Delbridge and Michael Lewis were fatally struck by a train while they were carrying out maintenance work near Margam in Port Talbot on July 3, 2019. The families of both men have issued a joint statement following the recent developments in court surrounding the incident.
On February 14, 2025, Network Rail was fined a significant sum of £3.75 million at Swansea Crown Court for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. In addition to the fine, Network Rail was also ordered to pay £175,000 in costs. The families of Mr. Delbridge and Mr. Lewis described the two men as not just workers, but as “devoted family members, cherished friends, and valued members of their community.” Their sudden deaths have left an irreplaceable void that continues to be deeply felt by those who knew and loved them.
The families highlighted that the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by railway workers. They emphasized that, in their opinion, the deaths of Gareth Delbridge and Michael Lewis were entirely preventable. Cari Sowden-Taylor from the serious injury team at Hugh James law firm shared a statement on behalf of the families, expressing their profound loss and the impact it has had on their lives and the community.
The families also addressed the failures of both their employer and the regulatory bodies in enforcing proper safety protocols, which ultimately led to the loss of Gareth and Mike’s lives. They stressed the importance of accountability to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur, and called for continued prioritization and enhancement of safety measures within the railway industry to protect workers from unnecessary risks.
While acknowledging the advancements made in track worker safety since the incident, the families urged all stakeholders in the railway sector to persist in improving safety standards to prevent future accidents. They emphasized that although no changes can bring Gareth and Mike back, they are committed to ensuring that their deaths catalyze lasting improvements in railway safety. The families aspire for their legacy to be one of transformative change that safeguards workers, preserves lives, and prevents similar tragedies from happening again.
The families’ heartfelt and resolute statement underscores the immense loss suffered due to the preventable accident and calls for sustained efforts to enhance safety measures in the railway industry. Their call for accountability and systemic improvements serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing worker safety to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
It is a tragic reminder of the risks that frontline workers face daily in their roles, and the importance of creating a safe working environment for all employees. The families’ plea for lasting change and improved safety measures reverberates as a crucial message in the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.