A PERSON has died after being hit by a steam train collecting passengers for a Remembrance Day trip.
It is thought to be the first death involving a steam engine in 58 years, when they were withdrawn from service.
The engine was bringing an empty train from Southall depot to London Victoria on Wednesday morning when the tragedy unfolded.
It was set to bring passengers on a £115 trip through Kent.
But the train – a 34028 Eddystone – hit the person at Hanwell station in west London at 6.30am.
The Armistice Steam Express was cancelled after the incident.
British Railways stopped running its steam trains in 1968, with steam engines banned on the mainline until 1971, when the decision was reversed.
Today, there are about 800 preserved steam engines across 173 working railways, museums and trusts.
About 500 steam trains actually run across the UK each year.
Southern Locomotives Ltd said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a person has died after being struck by our locomotive 34028 Eddystone this morning at Hanwell station, west London.
“Our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the individual involved and the train crew who witnessed the tragedy.”
The Railway Touring Company added: “The incident took place prior to the start of our tour and passengers were not involved.
“Our sincere apologies to our passengers for the disappointment this has caused. The decision to cancel was not taken lightly.”
A spokesman said: “We were called at around 6.30am to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Hanwell railway station. Officers responded with paramedics, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
