Yahoo News Unions demand answers after deaths of two 'rail workers' hit by train
An investigation is underway after two rail workers were killed by a train in south Wales.
The workers were pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a train on the tracks between Pyle and Port Talbot on Wednesday morning.
A third person was treated for shock at the scene but was uninjured.
Union bosses have called for a full investigation into the deaths, with one saying it was clear something had ‘gone badly wrong’.
Manuel Cortes, general secretary at the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, said: "It's too early to speculate about what has happened here but clearly something has gone badly wrong.
"There must now be a full investigation because it is simply not acceptable that in the 21st century people go out to work and end up losing their lives.
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"Our Network Rail members, together with everyone else at the company, do so much to keep our railways running smoothly. They must be able to do this in a safe environment.
"Safety on our railways is paramount and sadly, as today's tragic events show, it can never be taken for granted."
Two people have sadly died after being struck by a train in South Wales.
A number of urgent enquiries are being made to understand exactly what happened. Officers remain on scene, check with @nationalrailenq for travel disruption.https://t.co/yryoge36XT pic.twitter.com/OvTmGyx3lw— British Transport Police (@BTP) July 3, 2019
Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said: "This is shocking news. RMT is attempting to establish the full facts but our immediate reaction is that this is an appalling tragedy and that no-one working on the railway should be placed in the situation that has resulted in the deaths that have been reported this morning.
"As well as demanding answers from Network Rail and a suspension of all similar works until the facts are established, the union will be supporting our members and their families at this time.
"Our thoughts are with those involved in this incident and their loved ones."
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has said there will be an investigation into how the fatal crash happened.
Network Rail Wales route director Bill Kelly said the railway network owner was "shocked and distressed" by the "dreadful accident", and it is "fully cooperating" with investigators.
He added: "Our thoughts are with the families of our colleagues and our members of staff who will be affected by this tragic loss, and we will provide all the support we can."
Investigations were underway at the scene on Wednesday with BTP officers at the scene as well as investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
The incident resulted in cancelled trains, with replacement busses being put on for rail passengers.
A man who said he worked at the nearby Tata steelworks told PA: "I didn't see a great deal, by the time I got close paramedics were giving one of the workers CPR, but he sadly passed away.
"The other worker had already passed away."
