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Two railway workers killed after being hit by a passenger train

NETWORK RAIL is facing demands for answers after two workers were killed by a train on a section of track near Port Talbot, south Wales, this morning.

A third worker was treated for shock at the scene.

British Transport Police said it was too early to confirm whether the section of railway was being treated as a crime scene but confirmed forensics officers were in place scouring for information.

Network Rail Wales route director Bill Kelly said the railway network owner was “shocked and distressed” by the “dreadful accident,” and added that it was fully co-operating with investigators.

Union bosses called for a full investigation into the deaths.

Transport union TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “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.

“Our Network Rail members, together with everyone else at the company, do so much to keep our railways running smoothly. They must be able to do this in a safe environment.

“Safety on our railways is paramount and sadly, as today’s tragic events show, it can never be taken for granted.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash 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.

“As well as demanding answers from Network Rail and a suspension of all similar works until the facts are established, the union will be supporting our members and their families at this time.”

Network Rail was unable to confirm definitely whether or not works were being carried out on the track at the time of the deaths.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn offered his condolences in the Commons, tweeting later: “My thoughts are with the families and friends of those rail workers who have been hit and killed by a train this morning in Port Talbot. Such awful news.

“Our thanks as ever to the emergency services working through this terrible accident.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said that there will be an investigation into how the fatal crash happened.

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