Great Western Railway (GWR) Fined £1 Million Over Train Passenger's Death in Bath
A major rail operator, Great Western Railway (GWR), has been fined £1 million and ordered to pay an additional £78,000 for breaching health and safety laws after a 28-year-old passenger died when her head struck a tree branch while leaning out of a train window. The incident occurred on December 1, 2018, near Twerton in Bath.
According to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which prosecuted GWR, the rail firm was aware of the risks associated with droplight windows but had not implemented recommended safety measures at the time of the tragedy. Bethan Roper, 28, was returning home from a Christmas shopping trip when she died on the train.
The ORR found that GWR had conducted a risk assessment two months prior to Ms Roper's death, which identified steps to mitigate the risks associated with droplight windows. However, these measures were not implemented in time to prevent the tragedy. "GWR was aware of the issue and had not yet taken action," said an ORR spokesperson.
The incident highlighted the need for proactive risk management by train operators. According to a report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), droplight windows have been a concern for rail operators for several years, with multiple incidents reported involving passengers being struck or injured while leaning out of these windows.
GWR has since implemented safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In a statement, a GWR spokesperson said: "We are deeply sorry for Bethan's tragic death and have taken steps to improve our safety procedures."
The £1 million fine is one of the largest imposed on a rail operator in recent years. The ORR has emphasized that the fine serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing passenger safety.
In response to the incident, the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) has called for greater emphasis on proactive risk management by train operators. "This case highlights the need for rail operators to take a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks," said RISSB spokesperson.
The incident has also sparked calls for improved safety measures on trains, including the installation of protective barriers around droplight windows. As the investigation into Ms Roper's death continues, the rail industry is under pressure to prioritize passenger safety above all else.
In a statement, the ORR emphasized that the fine serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing passenger safety and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks. The regulator has vowed to continue monitoring GWR's safety procedures and enforcing compliance with health and safety laws.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing passenger safety in the rail industry. As the investigation into Ms Roper's death continues, it remains to be seen what further measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Business and BBC Business.
