Two railway workers killed after being hit by a train near Port Talbot in South Wales were wearing ear defenders and could not hear it coming, police have confirmed.

Superintendent Andy Morgan in Cardiff said a 58-year-old man from North Connelly and a 64-year-old man from Kenfig Hill were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A third person was treated for shock, but was not injured.

The three were railway workers who were working on the lines at the time.

"The initial stages of the investigation suggest that the two men who died had been wearing ear defenders at the time, tragically, could not hear the passenger train approaching," Morgan said.


He added they were making sure that those who witnessed the traumatic incident, both at the scene and on board the train, received the necessary support they require.

Passengers were stranded on the train as all lines were blocked between Bridgend and Swansea, as National Rail warned potential travellers to expect disruption until the end of the day.

Image: Two rail workers were killed after being hit by the train near Port Talbot

People left the train one-by-one down a set of ladders before being escorted to coaches waiting nearby, according to WalesOnline.

One passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, said while they were stuck on the train: "Police have been on the train checking we are okay.

"Everyone at this end seems okay.

"Staff have given free water and drinks to everyone and are passing through the train regularly."

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch confirmed inspectors were deployed after the accident involving track workers.

Image: A third railway worker was treated for shock

Bill Kelly, route director for Network Rail Wales, said: "We are shocked and distressed to confirm that two members of our team lost their lives today in an accident involving a train.

"Our thoughts are with the families of our colleagues and our members of staff who will be affected by this tragic loss, and we will provide all the support we can."

Image: The crash caused disruption to rail services

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said he was "deeply saddened" by the accident and that an investigation would take place.

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said: "This is shocking news.

"RMT is attempting to establish the full facts but our immediate reaction is that this is an appalling tragedy and that no-one working on the railway should be placed in the situation that has resulted in the deaths that have been reported this morning.

"As well as demanding answers from Network Rail and a suspension of all similar works until the facts are established, the union will be supporting, our members and their families at this time.

"Our thoughts are with those involved in this incident and their loved ones."

Constituency MP Stephen Kinnock said: "I'm very concerned to see reports of the tragic accident on the rail line between Bridgend and Port Talbot.

"I understand that there may have been two fatalities. This is awful news, and my thoughts are with the families of all concerned."

Image: The train hit two railway workers on Wednesday morning

It comes after a government report on Wednesday showed 147 people were killed at work in England, Scotland and Wales between 2018 and 2019.

Figures showed 16 people were killed in transportation and storage, compared to the 32 people who died in the most dangerous industry which was agriculture, forestry and fishing.

There were 30 fatal injuries in construction, 26 in manufacturing and 18 across wholesale, retail, motor repair, accommodation and food.

The figures revealed 30 of the total deaths between 2018 and 2019 were caused by being struck by a moving vehicle.