09.02.2007

Train hits platform update

More information has been uncovered regarding the train that hit an access platform (see story Train hits platform)

The platform in question was a Moog MB250 underbridge unit on hire from ES Access. Although investigations are continuing, early reports suggest that the platform was instructed to set up on a mainline railway bridge, rather than on the correct bridge over a river about 150 metres further down the M20 motorway.

At about 9pm, not long after the underbridge unit was in position, the centre platform extension was hit by the train travelling at 60 mph. Parts of the platform and vertical mast were strewn for quite a distance along the track and the windscreen of the train - the point of impact - was shattered. Fortunately the ES Access operator or any of the contractor's staff were not on the platform when the train struck.

Keith Hunwick, proprietor of ES Access told C&A that the platform operator was one of his most experienced, with full certification and factory training on the Moog platforms.
It would appear that the platform was set up as instructed, but was then hit by the train.

In accordance with normal proceedures, the operator was immediately arrested by the British Transport Police, but released later on bail.
It is thought that the platform was on hire to InterRoute, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services Ltd and Mott Macdonald.