Statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:36 pm on 3 July 2019.

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Photo of Lee Waters Lee Waters Labour 3:36, 3 July 2019

Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. Earlier today, a Great Western Railway train struck two people between Port Talbot and Bridgend at Margam. The Welsh Government, and I'm sure the entire National Assembly, is deeply shocked by this tragic incident involving railway workers and our thoughts are with their families, their friends and their colleagues. I know this will send shockwaves through the whole industry and my thanks go to the emergency services and all those involved in the response.

The impact and the ramifications of this incident will reverberate across the rail industry. No-one goes to work to lose their lives. The incident now needs to be investigated, its causes understood and necessary measures put in place so that the appropriate lessons are learnt. It's testimony to how rare an incident like this is—that people lose their lives on the railways—that it's hard to understand how this could have happened this morning just 20 or so miles away from us.

Network Rail, Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales will be working to advise customers on alternative arrangements for travel. Customers should check via social media online for the latest travel advice. Diolch yn fawr.