A train driver was seriously injured during a shunting operation at Carstairs station in South Lanarkshire after their hand became trapped between a train and a locomotive, rail investigators said.
The accident happened at about 12:45 a.m. April 28 and involved two portions of the Caledonian Sleeper service, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. A driver assessor narrowly avoided being trapped and was not injured.
The RAIB said it has opened an independent investigation into the incident, which occurred after two train portions — 1C11 from Edinburgh and 1M11 from Glasgow — had been coupled together so the combined service could continue south to London Euston.
After the locomotive from train 1C11 was detached, its driver and a driver assessor went onto the track near the locomotive to carry out training involving coupling equipment, the agency said.
While they were on the track, train 1M11 moved toward them. The train driver saw the approaching train shortly before it reached them and warned the assessor. Both tried to move clear, but the driver’s hand became trapped between the train and the locomotive, causing serious injuries.
The RAIB said its investigation will examine the sequence of events that led to the accident, including the actions of those involved, the planning and control of the shunting operation, and the arrangements for staff working on or near the track during shunting and coupling activities.
Investigators also will consider how risks connected to coupling operations were being managed and whether any underlying management factors contributed to the incident.
The RAIB said its inquiry is separate from any investigation by the railway industry or the Office of Rail and Road, the industry regulator. The agency said it will publish its findings and any safety recommendations when the investigation is complete.
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