RAIB investigating after track worker is trapped between wagon and track panel

Two track workers were struck by a wagon as it was being propelled during an engineering possession.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said one worker became trapped between the wagon, propelled by a rail-mounted crane, and a track panel in the incident near Port Glasgow station at around 2055 on March 15.

The trapped worker was taken to hospital after being freed by emergency services.

Explaining the incident, a RAIB statement said: “One track worker became trapped between the wagon and a track panel which had previously been set down on the railway by a second crane. Both cranes were being used as part of the renewal of a section of track within the possession.”

RAIB has said it will investigate the incident, and consider the actions of the staff involved, how crane movements were being controlled, the planning and co-ordination arrangements for the work, staff management and risk management.

The incident occurred during a four-day possession of the Inverclyde lines between Port Glasgow, Gourock and Wemyss Bay, during which work to renew points was taking place at Wemyss Bay Junction, west of Port Glasgow station.