Horror as train driver confirmed dead after reports of ‘casualty on rail line’

British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed an incident on Tuesday, February 2, at West Worthing station led to the death of a train driver. Officers were called to the Sussex station at 9.03pm following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

The train driver was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

As a safety precaution, the electricity that powers the line was switched off and the line was completely closed later in the evening.

In photographs taken at the scene, police officers and Southern Rail workers gather around cordons on the station platform.

A train is pictured stationary at one of the platforms.

Angie Doll, managing director of Southern Railway, said: “We are devastated to confirm that one of our train drivers was pronounced dead at West Worthing station on February 1.

“At this unimaginably difficult time, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

“Everyone in our railway family is heartbroken by the loss of one of our own.

“Our full focus is on working closely with the British Transport Police to establish exactly what circumstances led to such a tragedy.”

Southern Rail said on Twitter shortly after 9pm on Tuesday it had received reports of a trespasser in the Worthing area.

They said: “We’ve just received reports of a trespasser in the Worthing area.

“As a safety precaution, the electricity that powers the line has been switched off.

“Services will be disrupted in either direction, so please allow extra time for travel.”

A spokesman for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) confirmed they are investigating the incident.

He said: “RAIB has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of an accident which occurred on Tuesday evening near West Worthing Station.”

A BTP spokesman also said: “British Transport Police (BTP) were called to West Worthing station at 9.03pm following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended and sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are currently working to establish the full circumstances behind their death.”