At around 20:55 on 15 March 2025 a wagon which was being propelled by a rail-mounted crane within an engineering possession struck two track workers near to Port Glasgow station. 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.

The track worker who was trapped had to be freed by the emergency services and was subsequently treated in hospital for their injuries.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider:

• the actions of the staff involved in the accident and anything which may have influenced them
• how crane movements were being controlled
• the planning and co-ordination arrangements for the work activities being undertaken
• the management of the staff involved, including their training and competence
• the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with movements of cranes, staff and rail vehicles.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

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