At around 15:00 on 9 August 2025, a steam locomotive moved unexpectedly while it was being coupled to a second steam locomotive in platform 1 at Sheffield Park station. This caused both locomotives to travel together for approximately 4 metres, at slow speed.
Sheffield Park station is located on the Bluebell Railway, a heritage railway in Sussex. At the time the movement took place, a volunteer member of staff, undertaking the role of shunter, was on the track between the two locomotives, coupling them together. The unexpected movement forced the shunter to walk along the track between the two moving locomotives to avoid being struck. Once the movement stopped, the member of staff was able to climb back onto the platform.
The shunter was not injured, but they were shaken by the incident. There was no damage caused to either locomotive or to the infrastructure of the railway.
Our investigation will determine the sequence of events that led to the near miss incident, and will include consideration of:
- the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them
- the management of the staff involved, including their training and competence
- the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with the coupling and shunting of trains
- any relevant underlying factors.
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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