Families mourn two rail workers who died in 2019. They call for railway safety improvements after a preventable accident.
Network Rail had to pay a large fine totaling £3.75 million on February 14th at Swansea Crown Court. They broke a safety law from 1974, and the court made them pay £175,000 more to cover legal costs.
The families of the men spoke about their loss, saying both men were loved deeply and were good family members and friends. Their absence creates a big emptiness, and the families call the deaths preventable.
The families shared an official statement on February 15th, helped by lawyer Cari Sowden-Taylor. The statement said Gareth and Michael died instantly during work, which left a great void for everyone who knew them. Gareth and Mike were devoted family and valued friends, more than just workers.
Their loss is felt constantly by everyone, and the pain of losing them is immeasurable. The families added the deaths should not have happened, believing safety rules were not followed. Improved safety protocols could have helped.
The families want accountability so no other family suffers such a loss. They urge everyone to improve safety more, even though it has improved recently, so no one risks their life for inadequate safety.
The families seek lasting improvements in railway safety that protect workers’ lives and prevent similar tragedies. They are committed to making this happen.