At around 11:44 on 29 April 2025, a train operated by South Western Railways, which was travelling at around 30 mph (48 km/h), was involved in a near miss with a team of three track workers within Bookham Tunnel in Surrey.
The track workers involved were walking back to Bookham station through the tunnel at the time of the near miss, having previously completed work on the telephones located at either end. On hearing the approaching train, two of the track workers entered refuges built into the tunnel walls, while the third worker leant against the tunnel wall as the train passed them. No one was injured in the incident, and no damage was caused.
A line blockage had been arranged by the team with the signaller before the incident occurred. This was intended to stop trains from running through the tunnel. It was later discovered that this line blockage had been arranged for the nearby Mickleham Tunnel, and that it did not cover Bookham Tunnel.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the incident. It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and the factors that may have influenced them
- the way in which the work was planned and how the risks associated with being on or near a railway line were being managed
- the roles, responsibilities and working patterns of relevant staff
- any underlying management 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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