Tributes paid to railway workers struck by train near Port Talbot

Tributes have been paid to two railway workers who died after being struck by a train in South Wales.

Michael “Spike” Lewis, 58, and 64-year-old Gareth Delbridge were hit by a passenger service while working on tracks near Port Talbot on Wednesday morning.

In a statement released by British Transport Police (BTP), the family of Mr Lewis, who was from North Cornelly, said: “He was known by everyone, and loved by everyone.

“We would like to thank everyone so much for their support during this difficult time and ask that we are now given the space we need to grieve.”

Mr Delbridge was described as a “true gentleman and all-round great guy” by the Kenfig Hill Rugby Social Club in Bridgend.

The club referred to Mr Delbridge affectionately as “Gazza” in a statement on its Facebook page.

The post from Wednesday night read: “Unfortunately one of those who lost their life was Gareth Delbridge (Gazza) a long and loyal club member and friend.

“He will be surely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing Gareth.

“He was, without doubt one of the nicest persons you would ever want to meet, and true gentleman and an all-round great guy.

“RIP Gareth we are all going to miss your happy charm.”

The post was written after it emerged Mr Delbridge and Mr Lewis were wearing ear defenders at the time of their deaths.

They were unable to hear the passenger service before it struck them on the tracks.

A third rail worker was treated for shock at the scene.

Ellen Brace commented below the Kenfig Hill Rugby Club tribute to Mr Delbridge: “This is so so so sad to read.

“Thoughts are with Carol, and all three children and grandchildren at this horrific time.

“God Bless you Gareth.”

Tony Ulberini wrote: “Such sad news, had the pleasure of playing football with him for Kenfig Hill.

“A true gentleman, my condolences to all his family. RIP Gazza.”

Kenfig Hill Rugby Club also offered its “deepest sympathy to Gareth’s family at this desperately sad time” in a Twitter post.

Network Rail is facing demands for answers after Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said there would be an investigation into the deaths.

The men have been killed after a Rail Accident Investigation Branch report for 2018 warned “there have been too many near-misses in which workers have had to jump for their lives at the last moment” in recent years.

Manuel Cortes, Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association general secretary, said: “It’s too early to speculate about what has happened here but clearly something has gone badly wrong.

“There must now be a full investigation because it is simply not acceptable that in the 21st century people go out to work and end up losing their lives.”

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said: “This is shocking news.

“RMT is attempting to establish the full facts but our immediate reaction is that this is an appalling tragedy and that no one working on the railway should be placed in the situation that has resulted in the deaths that have been reported this morning.”

The incident resulted in cancelled trains, with replacement buses being put on for rail passengers.

(c) Sky News 2019: Tributes paid to railway workers struck by train near Port Talbot