Network Rail has been ordered to pay £3.75 million after two of its employees lost their lives on the tracks, with a judge highlighting a long-standing failure to improve safety measures.
Gareth Delbridge, aged 64, and Michael ‘Spike’ Lewis, 58, were tragically struck by a Great Western Railway service travelling from Swansea to Paddington, west London, in July 2019. The pair were carrying out maintenance duties at Margam, near Port Talbot, when disaster struck.
A third worker narrowly escaped being hit. A previous inquiry into the tragedy noted that he was left “severely traumatised” by the harrowing event.
On Friday, Swansea Crown Court delivered its verdict, with Recorder Christian Jowett holding Network Rail accountable for inadequate protection of its workforce. The judge made it clear that safety concerns had been flagged long before the accident, yet the organisation failed to implement meaningful changes.
Network Rail had already admitted responsibility for the deaths, acknowledging systemic failings within its operations.
During the proceedings, the court was told that, in the absence of advanced safety technology, workers relied solely on a human lookout system. Recorder Jowett described this as offering the “lowest level of protection” in an environment fraught with risk.
The location where the accident happened was particularly dangerous due to a bend in the track that obstructed visibility towards Port Talbot. Because of this, two lookouts were initially planned, with four men assigned to the task.
However, on the day of the incident, the team split into two smaller groups, with one focused on maintenance while the other attended to a different job. This left no one available to act as the second distant lookout.
The machinery being used was particularly loud, making it harder for those on the ground to hear any approaching danger. The judge pointed out that none of the workers became aware of the oncoming train “until it was too late.”
The court’s findings underline the risks faced by rail workers when safety precautions are inadequate. Despite previous concerns raised within the industry, Network Rail had not taken the necessary action to prevent such a catastrophe.
Following the ruling, industry professionals and trade unions have reiterated their calls for stronger protective measures. Many argue that relying on human lookouts is no longer sufficient, especially given the availability of modern technology designed to detect approaching trains and alert workers in real time.
A representative for Network Rail acknowledged the ruling and expressed deep regret over the loss of life. In a statement, they said: “We take full responsibility for the failures that led to this tragedy. No one should lose their life while simply doing their job, and we are committed to making the necessary improvements to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
Families of the victims have voiced their grief and frustration, with many believing that the tragedy could have been avoided if better safety measures had been in place. One family member described the heartbreak of losing a loved one in such a preventable manner, calling for greater accountability within the organisation.
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The penalty imposed by the court serves as a stark reminder that safety cannot be overlooked, especially in high-risk industries such as rail maintenance. While the fine may prompt Network Rail to take urgent action, critics argue that financial penalties alone are not enough to drive meaningful change.
Safety experts insist that technological solutions, such as automatic warning systems and improved communications, must be prioritised to ensure track workers are not left vulnerable. Many within the industry are now pushing for legislative changes to enforce stricter safety protocols across all railway operations.
As discussions continue over how best to safeguard workers, this case highlights the severe consequences of inaction. For those who lost their lives, as well as their families and colleagues, the ruling brings some degree of justice, but it also reinforces the urgent need for lasting improvements within the sector.
