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GWR Removes Dangerous Windows After Fatality, Vows Safety Improvements

GWR finally acts on window safety after a passenger's death. Extensive upgrades and improvements aim to prevent future tragedies.

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In this picture there is a train on the railway track. On the left side of the image there are...
In this picture there is a train on the railway track. On the left side of the image there are buildings and poles and there is a fan and fire extinguisher on the wall and there is a railing. On the right side of the image there are objects and there is a staircase. At the back there are trees.

GWR Removes Dangerous Windows After Fatality, Vows Safety Improvements

A preventable tragedy struck in 2018 when Bethan Roper lost her life on a Great Western Railway (GWR) train. Despite knowing the risks, GWR failed to implement safety measures regarding windows on high-speed trains. Now, after significant upgrades and improvements, all such windows have been removed or secured.

Bethan Roper's fatal accident occurred while she was returning home from Christmas shopping in Bath. The train was travelling at 75mph near Twerton when she leaned out of an open window and struck her head on an overhanging tree branch. GWR's carriages were equipped with droplight windows, allowing passengers to exit at platforms using an external handle.

Investigations revealed that GWR had not produced a suitable risk assessment for these windows until after Bethan's death. Moreover, they had failed to implement safety recommendations following previous incidents, despite being aware of the risks. The rail safety watchdog fined GWR £1m and ordered them to pay £78,000 in costs for this negligence.

Since the tragedy, GWR has undertaken substantial infrastructure upgrades. They have replaced around 10,000 wires to enhance signal systems and ensured reliable, safe train movements through key stations like Gloucester. Network Rail and GWR have also collaborated on bridge refurbishments and railway infrastructure improvements, including installing additional steel supports and anti-collision markings on bridges. All trains with droplight windows have since been withdrawn from service or fitted with controls to prevent windows from being opened while trains are moving.

GWR has accepted responsibility for Bethan Roper's death and remains committed to continuously improving passenger and colleague safety. The company has implemented significant upgrades and removed or secured all droplight windows, ensuring such a tragedy will not occur again.

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