Rail worker nearly struck by 110mph train at Euxton Junction

The incident happened on March 14 just before 2.15pm close to Euxton Junction on the West Coast Main Line.

Investigators said the track worker involved believed the ‘up fast’ line was blocked to train movements.

However, the blockage agreed with the signaller actually applied to the ‘down fast’ line, meaning ‘up fast’ was still open to trains.

Euxton Junction, looking towards Preston (Image: Gov.UK)

Investigators said the worker was involved in a ‘near miss’ and that a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been undertaken.

A statement from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch said: “At around 2.15pm on March 14, 2024, a train travelling at around 110mph (177km/h) was involved in a near miss with a track worker on the up fast line close to Euxton Junction located on the West Coast Main Line in Lancashire.

“The track worker involved in the incident believed the Up Fast line was blocked to train movements. However, the line blockage which they had agreed upon with the signaller actually applied to the adjacent down fast line, and the up fast line was still open to trains.

“We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.”