Steam train kills pedestrian for first time in nearly 60 years as locomotive strikes person en route to Remembrance Day trip

A steam train has killed a pedestrian for the first time in almost 60 years as the locomotive struck a person en route to a Remembrance Day trip.

The train was on its way to central London to pick up passengers before embarking on a trip on Wednesday at around 6.30am.

But the journey was cancelled after a person, who has not yet been identified, was hit by the train at Hanwell station in west London, triggering widespread commuter chaos.

Officers and paramedics swarmed the scene soon after the 34028 Eddystone struck the person, who was pronounced dead at the scene, British Transport Police confirmed.

An eyewitness told GB News: "It was absolutely horrifying, I was waiting for my train and on the other end of the platform someone decided to just jump in front of the train.

"I can't believe this happened in front of me, but at the same time I'm so grateful I missed the moment of impact.

"Hanwell station doesn't have any ticket barriers, so this kind of tragedy is far too common unfortunately."

"We had another suicide eight days prior to this, something needs to be done," the horrified commuter added.

"The Elizabeth line is plagued with delays; installing ticket barriers would save people's lives and help stop all these delays."

It is understood to be the first death on the railway linked to a steam engine, which has been out of action by British Railways since 1968.

However, several trains are still hauled out for special occasions, as well as leisure and tourism purposes.

These trains make up part of the 500 steam locomotives which are permitted to run across the country each year.

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The Armistice Steam Express, hauled by the 34028 Eddystone locomotive, was due to depart London Victoria at 9.05am on Remembrance Day.

But the operator was forced to cancel the annual £115-per-ticket trip due to the fatality.

British Transport Police added there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Southern Locomotives Ltd, the locomotive's owner, 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, the Armistice Steam Express's operator, said: "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."

Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.