Three track workers take evasive action in tunnel to avoid train

An investigation has been launched after three track workers were involved in a near miss of a train travelling at around 30mph (48km/h) in Bookham Tunnel, Surrey.

The incident happened at around 11:44 on 29 April 2025, when the track workers were walking back to Bookham station through the tunnel after completing work on the telephones located at either end.

On hearing the approaching train, two of the track workers entered refuges built into the tunnel walls, while the third worker leaned against the tunnel wall as the train passed them.

No one was injured in the incident and no damage was caused.

A line blockage had been arranged by the team with the signaller before the incident occurred.

Although this was intended to stop trains from running through the tunnel, it was later discovered that this line blockage had been arranged for the nearby Mickleham Tunnel and did not cover Bookham Tunnel.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation to identify the events that led to the incident and will publish its findings and recommendations.