Investigation into a collision between a passenger train and a portable rail grinding machine near to Redbridge, Hampshire, 19 May 2026.
At around 06:17 on 19 May 2026, a passenger train struck a portable rail grinding machine which had been left on the track near to Redbridge, on the Romsey to Redbridge Junction line.
The train involved was the first service to pass through the area after the track had been handed back following engineering work the previous night.
No injuries were caused to the passengers and crew on board the train as a result of the collision. The rail grinding machine was destroyed. The train did not derail, but was damaged, and unable to continue in service.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the collision. It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and the factors that may have influenced them
- the arrangements in place for managing equipment within possessions such as rail grinding machines
- any relevant underlying factors.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry's regulator, the Office of Rail and Road .
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
