An investigation has been launched after a train nearly hit a person on the Bluebell Railway.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said the incident happened in August and while no-one was hurt and no damage was caused, the investigation had been reported and in line with process, it would be investigated.
The RAIB said the incident happened when a steam locomotive moved unexpectedly while it was being coupled to a second steam locomotive on platform 1 at Sheffield Park station. This caused both locomotives to travel together for approximately 4m at slow speed.
At the time the movement took place, a volunteer member of staff, who was undertaking the role of shunter, was on the track between the two locomotives, coupling them together, the RAIB said.
“The unexpected movement forced the shunter to walk along the track between the two moving locomotives to avoid being struck. When the movement stopped the member of staff was able to climb back onto the platform.”
The volunteer was not injured but was shaken by the incident, the RAIB said, and there had been no damage was caused to either locomotive or to the infrastructure of the railway.
The Bluebell Railway is the world’s first preserved standard-gauge steam-operated passenger railway, which ran its first public train in 1960. Founded by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society to preserve a rural line, it runs historic steam locomotives and carriages on a route from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, a journey of about 11 miles.
The railway boasts one of the largest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages in the UK, with the aim of preserving railway history for the public. It is a popular tourist attraction and film location and reconnects with the national rail network at East Grinstead. It has also hosted hugely popular visits by the world’s most famous locomotive, the Flying Scotsman.
The RAIB said its investigation would establish what had happened in the lead up to the near miss, including the actions of those involved, the management of staff, the training involved and any underlying factors. A full report will be published in due course.