First person in nearly 60 years is killed by steam engine as locomotive hits them on its way to pick up passengers for Remembrance Day trip

Published: 04:49 EST, 13 November 2026 | Updated: 04:49 EST, 13 November 2026 A person has died after being hit by a steam engine, marking the first such death on the public railway in nearly 60 years. The locomotive was on its way to London to pick up passengers for a Remembrance Day trip when the incident occurred on Wednesday morning. The person was struck by the steam engine at Hanwell station in west London at around 6.30am.It is believed to be the first death on the public railway involving a steam locomotive since they were withdrawn from service by British Railways in 1968. Now, around 500 steam trains run across the UK each year.The incident involved the 34028 Eddystone locomotive, which was due to leave Victoria, hauling the Armistice Steam Express, at 9.05am. Tickets were priced at £115 for one adult for the day's excursion through Kent, which was subsequently cancelled. British Transport Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and that a file would be prepared for the coroner. Officers and paramedics attended Hanwell station but the person was pronounced dead at the scene, a spokesman for the force added. The incident involved the 34028 Eddystone locomotive, which was due to leave Victoria, hauling the Armistice Steam Express, at 9.05am (file photo)Southern Locomotives Ltd, which owns the locomotive, 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, which operates the Armistice Steam Express, 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.'- For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or see thecalmzone.net/get-support