Rail tragedy blamed on communication

Two railway workers killed in Hednesford in 2004 were let down by "communication problems from the very top", an inquest heard.

Father-of-two Martin Oates, aged 38, of Sheffield, was killed with David Pennington, 47, of Burnley. Both were unloading track and sleepers from a train.

They died after being struck by a reversing road-rail vehicle – described as a "JCB on rails" – travelling too fast and without adequate lights, an inquest jury in Stafford was told.

Det Sgt William Henry, of British Transport Police, said key details were changed at short notice and were not communicated to the two by their superiors.

"The plan appeared to change on the night," he said. "In simple terms, I think it was a case of not really communicating with each other about exactly what the plans were."

He said that, following a report by the Rail Safety Standards Board, measures had been introduced to prevent similar deaths.

Summing up, South Staffordshire coroner Mr Andrew Haigh said: "As a result of the breakdown in communication that took place, the road-rail vehicle was reversed at too fast a speed and without adequate lights and it hit the two gentlemen on the railway line."

Mr Oates' wife and daughters were at the inquest but did not wish to commentt.

Network Rail and Carillion admitted breaching health and safety laws at Stafford Crown Court last year.

Road-rail vehicle driver David Jones, machine operator John Brady and supervisor John Brigdon pleaded not guilty, but were convicted following a six-week trial.

Wolverhampton-based Carillion was fined £444,444 and London-based Network Rail £666,667, with both ordered to pay £50,000 costs.

Network Rail says it will appeal against sentence.