Walkers hit by train on West Highland Line

[TGV]

It appears to me at least that a balanced view is being portrayed by this thread - I cannot see much in it to take umbrage about.

You probably didn't see a comment that has since been deleted (presumably by the moderators as it's no longer there at all) which suggested some fairly cruel things about the gents who were hit by the train. It was far from balanced, and was immature and not needed.

 

[GB]

If your referring to my post then I deleted it myself. I didn't say anything cruel, infact it was quite the opposite. I deleted it because I didn't want to get drawn into a debate about "balance".

If your referring to another post then of course disregard the above.

 

[TGV]

If your referring to another post then of course disregard the above.

No mate. Wasn't you. The comment in question doesn't even have a 'window' showing where it once was which leads me to suspects the site moderators were every bit as unimpressed as I was.

Which, come to think of it, now makes my post look like a rant about nothing but hey ho. I couldn't keep quiet about insensitive remarks on incidents like this.

 

[WestCoast]

So maybe walking on the track is a German thing!

I must admit I have noticed more people walking alongside lines on the Continent, particularly in rural settings. Barrow Crossings tend to more common as well. I remember seeing a whole family in Norway and an old chap in the Czech Republic. That's of course without mentioning railways in the developing world, where it's considered completely normal.

I still think it's considered trespass in all countries, but perhaps a blind eye is turned in rural areas.

 

[Crossover]

Is it legal to walk along rural railway tracks in Germany?

I'm not sure it is legal, but when I was over in Stuttgart, a few lines I saw (namely freight lines I think) were just next to the road and completely unbarriered/unfenced. It could well be that in cases like this, it is up to the individual not to be where they shouldn't be

 

[Mojo]

I've noticed that there are considerable sections of the West Highland line which don't have any fences alongside the railway. It looks like it was there at one point as most of the route has what I assume were fence posts but which are now totally decayed.

Perhaps the individuals (incorrectly) thought it was permissible to walk alongside the railway here as there is no fence here, unlike on the rest of the rail network. In any case, like walking along a road, one should always exercise care.

 

[daikilo]

It appears to me at least that a balanced view is being portrayed by this thread - I cannot see much in it to take umbrage about.

To clarify my last question, I wonder if there may well be an issue with foreign tourists who are genuinely unaware that walking along railway tracks is not permitted in this country. The signs at the end of platforms often say "Passengers must not cross the line" whereas something on the lines (ho ho) of "It is an offence to trespass on the railway - passengers must not proceed beyond this point" might do more to prevent prevent future incidents.

Will there be a RAIB report about this incident?

It is certainly forbidden to walk on rail tracks in France and I think likewise in Germany. Also, everyone is expected to know this without the need for a sign.

And I saw an example in France just this afternoon where the only sign at a gate to the track was the current SNCF logo. I assume this means SNCF Private property.

In your suggestion, you quote "passengers". And walkers who join the line at any point between stations (maybe having scaled a fence)?

No, railways are like roads, if you want to get run over, walk down the middle, otherwise walk where you can step out of harms way if harm arrives.

 

[GB]

Will there be a RAIB report about this incident?

Doubtful. The RAIB doesn't investigate or report on accidents/incidents resulting from trespass or suicides.

 

[Phil6219]

On one of my Cab Ride DVD's - The Far North line up to Wick & Thurso the narrator highlights several problem areas for trespass along the route, mainly bridges used as shortcuts by hikers and that drivers were quite often (at the time of filming in the late 1980s) having to keep extra vigilant in those areas.

For the record if I happened to find myself lost and wandering around the highlands & came across the railway line I'd follow it too. If I was very knackered having been out too long & couldn't get to a station I'd try and signal the train and hope to get a lift. I know that's not what happened here but it's what I'd do.

Anyone remember that time the hikers got stuck and ended up flagging down the Highland Sleeper in the '80s?

Anyway, hoping for a speedy recovery of the chaps involved.

Phil

 

[PaxVobiscum]

You probably didn't see a comment that has since been deleted (presumably by the moderators as it's no longer there at all) which suggested some fairly cruel things about the gents who were hit by the train. It was far from balanced, and was immature and not needed.

Ah, I understand - that explains it. Since the comment appeared in the post after mine, I did wonder why I appeared to have been so insensitive. I didn't notice the offending and now deleted post as I have been following this thread on the move with my phone. Much scrolling involved.