A major rail operator has been slapped with a seven-figure fine after catastrophic safety failures led to a passenger being electrocuted on live tracks.
Northern Trains Ltd was ordered to pay £1,326,526 including costs at Leeds Crown Court after admitting serious health and safety breaches that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Jack Tilford.
Tragic Sequence of Events
The court heard how Mr Tilford had been travelling from Sheffield to York in January 2021 when he accidentally boarded a service heading to Leeds instead. After discovering his error, he disembarked at Garforth station in West Yorkshire.
Tragically, rather than seeking assistance from station staff, the young passenger attempted to cross to the opposite platform via the tracks - coming into contact with the 25,000-volt overhead power lines.
Systemic Safety Failures Exposed
Investigators from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) uncovered multiple safety deficiencies at Garforth station that contributed to the tragedy.
The investigation revealed:
- Inadequate staffing levels with no personnel present during evening hours
- Faulty CCTV equipment that had been non-operational for months
- Poorly maintained station infrastructure and lighting
- Insufficient measures to prevent passenger access to dangerous areas
Rail Regulator's Stern Response
ORR's Chief Inspector of Railways, Ian Prosser, delivered a damning assessment of the company's safety culture.
"This was a tragic and preventable incident," Prosser stated. "Our investigation found significant shortcomings in how Northern managed the risks at Garforth station. All railway companies must ensure the safety of their passengers, and we will not hesitate to take action when they fail to do so."
Company's Admission and Apology
Northern Trains, which is owned by the Department for Transport's 'Operator of Last Resort', pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
A company spokesperson expressed deep regret, stating: "Our thoughts remain with Jack's family and friends. We have taken this matter extremely seriously and have implemented significant improvements to our procedures and station safety measures since this tragic incident occurred."
The substantial financial penalty serves as a stark warning to all rail operators about their fundamental responsibility for passenger safety across the UK's rail network.
