Lewes MP Norman Baker has spoken to Railways Minister Tom Harris to express his grave concern at the incident that occurred last Friday on the main line between Lewes and Eastbourne when a train clipped the front of a tractor, and to seek assurances that a full investigation into the incident would be undertaken.
In the incident, a local farmer seeking to gain clearance to cross the line just east of Glynde called the signal box at Berwick and was given permission to cross. As the tractor and trailer were crossing, the London-bound train appeared on the line. The farmer slammed his tractor into reverse but despite his swift action, the train clipped the front of the vehicle, damaging both it and the train, which was not derailed, but which came to a stop about a quarter of a mile down the line, badly disrupting services for hours afterwards.
Norman Baker, who is also the Lib Dem Shadow Transport Secretary, says:
"This was inches, or seconds, away from being an horrific incident. If the farmer had not reacted so decisively, and thank goodness he did, the train would have smashed into the tractor and trailer at speed and been derailed. It is no exaggeration to say that there could have been multiple deaths.
"I have made Tom Harris aware of my deep concern at this incident and indicated that it needs to be fully investigated. He agreed and promised that the matter would indeed be fully investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. In due course, a report will be published. He has also arranged for me to speak to the RAIB about the matter."
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