Railway has faced ‘darkest times’ in wake of tragedy

Staff at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) have been issued with safety advice after the initial conclusions from the inquiry into the death of Robert Lund, who became trapped between two trains on the line.

The NYMR’s general manager, Philip Benham, paid tribute to Mr Lund and confirmed the safety advice from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has been distributed to all footplate crews.

He said: “This has obviously been a tragic event that has had a profound effect upon everyone working on the NYMR. Our first thoughts continue to be with Bob Lund’s family during this exceptionally difficult time.

“Bob was the very best of volunteers – a man of great integrity who carried out his work as a guard with great care and professionalism.

“He was a longstanding volunteer who, as well as working as a guard, was also chairman of the Grosmont Station Group. A friend and valued colleague of us all, he will be deeply missed by the whole railway.

“I wish to pay tribute to NYMR’s volunteers and staff who have continued to work and give of their time to NYMR through this difficult period.

“Theirs is an example of the dedication and commitment that makes heritage railways across the country so special.

“While this has been the darkest of times for the NYMR, we have been much encouraged by the tremendous sympathy and support we have received far and wide from others in the railway industry – both heritage and modern. For this we are truly grateful.”

Investigations are continuing, but initial findings revealed the accident happened when a locomotive suddenly switched from reverse to forward gear while a coach was being detached.

The sudden change of direction led to Mr Lund, 65, from Beverley, suffering fatal injuries when he became trapped between two carriages.

He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at Grosmont station on May 21.

The RAIB has issued urgent safety advice about the risks of an unplanned change of direction if the locomotive reverser is not properly secured by the locking device.

The rules for shunting are also being reviewed to provide extra safety measures when staff go in between trains and carriages.

More than 400 mourners attended the funeral of Mr Lund, a retired Humberside Police officer, in Beverley Minster on Friday.