Near Miss Between Passenger Train and Track Worker at Harpenden Under Investigation
An investigation has been launched following a serious near miss involving a passenger train and a track worker near Harpenden, Hertfordshire, on the night of 7 March 2026.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 23:41, involved a train operated by Govia Thameslink Railway travelling at around 62 mph (100 km/h) on the Down Fast line.
The train narrowly avoided striking an engineering supervisor who was on the track at the time.
What Happened
According to preliminary details released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), the engineering supervisor had accessed the railway via a designated entry point near the Down Fast line. Their task was to place work site marker boards on the Up and Down Slow lines.
These slower lines had been closed to rail traffic as part of a planned overnight engineering possession between Radlett Junction and Flitwick Junction. However, the Down Fast line remained open and operational.
Forward-facing CCTV footage from the train shows the supervisor walking on the Down Fast line as the train approached. The individual became aware of the train just moments before impact and managed to jump clear approximately one second before it passed.
Scope of the Investigation
The RAIB has confirmed that its inquiry will focus on several critical aspects of the incident, including:
- The sequence of events leading up to the near miss
- The actions of the individuals involved and contributing human factors
- How access to the worksite was planned and managed
- Risk management practices for staff working on or near active railway lines
- The roles, responsibilities, and working patterns of personnel involved
- Any underlying organisational or management factors
Independent Inquiry
The RAIB emphasised that its investigation is entirely independent. It will run separately from any inquiries conducted by the rail industry itself or by its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
Safety Implications
While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights ongoing safety risks for railway workers operating in complex environments where active and closed lines run in close proximity. Findings from the investigation are expected to inform future safety improvements and operational procedures across the network.
Further updates will be published as the investigation progresses.