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Line problem between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-Super-Mare.

Train services are being disrupted due to a person hit by a train between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-Super-Mare. Short notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected.
Last Updated: 21/10/2010 11:21

12:07 Taunton to Cardiff Central due 14:18
This train will be started from Bristol Temple Meads. It will no longer call at: Taunton, Bridgwater, Highbridge & Burnham, Weston-Super-Mare, Worle, Yatton and Nailsea & Backwell. This is due to a person hit by a train earlier.
Last Updated: 21/10/2010 12:27

12:12 Bristol Parkway to Weston-Super-Mare due 13:00
This train will be started from Bristol Temple Meads. It will no longer call at: Bristol Parkway and Filton Abbey Wood. This is due to a person hit by a train.
Last Updated: 21/10/2010 11:48

Track closed after man hit by train

A man has been killed after being hit by a train in Bristol.

The track was closed for almost an hour after police were called to Bedminster train station when a man, believed to be middle-aged, was struck by yesterday's 10am Cardiff to Taunton service when it passed through the station shortly after 11am.

A Police Community Support Officer stood guard at the entrance to the station in Windmill Hill while police and paramedics cleared the body from the line.

British Transport Police released a statement, which said: "British Transport Police officers and paramedics from the Great Western Ambulance Service attended the incident but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The incident, which was reported at 11.02am, is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the man's identity and the full circumstances leading up to his death."

Fewer than ten passengers were turned away from the station during its temporary closure.

Man stepped out in front of train

A Bedminster man died after walking in front of a train, an inquest heard.

Keith Williams, 55, died on October 21 last year at Bedminster train station.

Flax Bourton Coroner's Court heard that the married floor layer was known to have mental health problems.

A statement from the British Transport Police revealed a passenger train from Temple Meads to Taunton had been passing through the station at 11am, travelling at between 30 and 40 mph.

The court heard CCTV on the train had caught what had happened, and it showed Mr Williams emerging from behind a bush at the end of the platform and walking on to the tracks.

The train was being driven by a Bristol-based driver, who said in a statement he had been shocked to see someone step in front of his train.

He had less than two seconds to react and could only sound the train's horn and apply its emergency brakes.

Mr Williams had recently married his second wife, who he had met in Thailand, and moved back to Bristol with her. Mr Williams was "clearly not well" when he returned, the court heard.

In the summer of last year he made threats to kill his wife and a police officer during a 999 call, was convicted of possessing a large kitchen knife and spent time in Gloucester Prison.

When he was released around October 12 last year, he was homeless because his wife had taken out a court injunction to prevent him seeing her.

The inquest heard a joint statement made by Mr William's brother John and cousin Graham.

They said that after he was released from prison, police had taken him to Callington Road Psychiatric Hospital but the hospital had refused to treat him.

Mr Williams sought help from his brothers, who helped to put him up and took him to see his GP.

He told a crisis team and his GP that he was suicidal, but was told we could not be admitted to hospital.

A post-mortem examination found that Mr Williams died from multiple injuries.

Terry Moore, assistant deputy coroner, recorded a verdict that Mr Williams had taken his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Williams' brother John said: "The system let him down, they should have had him committed to a secure unit.

"If they had he might still be alive today."

● Most people who are thinking of taking their own life have given warning signs beforehand. These can include becoming depressed or withdrawn, showing sudden changes in behaviour or mood, talking about wanting to die and feelings of hopelessness.

These feelings do improve and can be treated. If you are concerned about someone, or need help yourself, please contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090 day or night.