The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group has released a statement after an incident at Williton on the West Somerset Railway.

Hymek D7018 was being prepared for a static test on Friday 4th August 2023. This was after some adjustments and checks had been made to the transmission.

After the engine was started, but still with wheel chocks and the parking brake still in place, the locomotive started to move uncommanded.

No was injured in the incident, but some minor damage was caused to the locomotive and some of the DEPG’s equipment and spares.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail and Road have been informed, as is routine with this kind of incident.

A meeting of the DEPG Board of Trustees has taken place and a decision has been made to stop all Hymek activities whilst a review of the incident takes place.

This does mean that all the planned DEPG at 50 celebrations at the end of September have been postponed until a later date (TBC).

Neither D7017 or D7018 will now attend the SVR’s Magnificient Seven event as working locomotives. Am DEPG Spokesperson said “We recognise that this will disappoint many of our fans and followers, but it will be appreciated that the safety of both the public and our own volunteers cannot be put at risk.”