Network Rail has been hit with a hefty fine of £3.75m following what has been described as “systematic” failings that resulted in the tragic deaths of two track workers near Port Talbot. Gareth Delbridge, 64, from Kenfig Hill, and Michael “Spike” Lewis, 58, from North Cornelly, were carrying out maintenance work on the railway tracks when they were struck and killed by a passing train in July 2019. Their colleague, Darren Wilkins, narrowly escaped the same fate, highlighting the grave consequences of the safety lapses.
The incident took place as the men were working at Margam East Coil and Coal without the necessary track closure in place. This meant that trains were still running on the tracks, leading to the fatal collision with the passenger service. The court was informed that the maintenance work being carried out at the time was unnecessary, as the track had already been upgraded, but this crucial information was not communicated to the workers on the ground.
During the court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that Network Rail had pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of its employees, acknowledging the serious deficiencies in its safety protocols and practices. The prosecution highlighted the company’s failure to implement and monitor appropriate safe-working procedures for track workers, leading to the tragic and avoidable deaths of Delbridge and Lewis.
The court heard that the trio working on the tracks did not have the necessary warning technology in place, and the absence of a lookout on the curved section of track where they were situated further contributed to the fatal outcome. The barrister representing the Office of Rail and Road emphasised that Network Rail exhibited a lack of urgency in addressing track safety issues, with ineffective training, inadequate compliance monitoring, and a culture of workarounds and shortcuts.
In poignant victim impact statements read to the court, the families of Delbridge and Lewis described the profound impact of their loss. Delbridge’s widow, Carol, expressed how their planned retirement together was now a daunting prospect without him, while Lewis’ family remembered him as the pillar of their household, deeply mourned for his absence. The families called for justice and highlighted the devastating impact of losing loved ones in such tragic circumstances.
Following the sentencing, Network Rail expressed profound remorse for the incident, acknowledging the preventable nature of the deaths and accepting full responsibility for the safety failings that led to the fatalities. The company cited significant advancements in track worker safety in recent years but recognised the need for continuous improvement to ensure the highest safety standards across its operations.
In handing down the fine of £3.75m, the court underscored the gravity of Network Rail’s failings and the need for robust safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The company was given 42 days to settle the fine and also ordered to pay a contribution towards costs. The judge extended condolences to the families of the victims, recognising that no legal sanction could ever alleviate their profound grief or compensate for their irreplaceable losses.
In response to the judgement, Network Rail reiterated its commitment to prioritising safety as its paramount concern and pledged to redouble its efforts to enhance the safety of its workforce and operations. The company’s route director for Wales & Borders emphasised the tragedy should never have occurred and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to improve safety practices. The Chief Inspector of Railways also expressed condolences and underscored the importance of accountability and safety in railway operations.