The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) says Bluebell Railway volunteer Simon Brown died when he struck his head on a signal gantry near Balham on August 7 (RAIL 807).

Initial investigations suggest that Brown was standing at the guard’s door on the third coach of the Class 442 electric multiple unit, and that the train was travelling at approximately 60mph. A notice above the window said: “Do not lean out of window when train is moving.”

The gantry Brown’s head struck is 700 metres south of Balham station and spans all four tracks. The distance from the middle of the droplight has been calculated at about 260mm.

RAIB’s full investigation will examine the factors that affected the clearance between the train and the signal gantry, and the measures in place to control the risks from leaning out of train windows.

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Author: Andy Roden
Contributing Writer, RAIL

Andrew joined RAIL in 2000 as a news and features writer. He has written four books, covered the UK and international rail industries, and led 2005’s successful campaign to save the ‘Night Riviera’ sleeper train. He is also a regular commentator on rail matters on television and radio for RAIL.