The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is to investigate a collision on the Isle of Wight last month in which two track workers were injured and required hospital treatment.

Very early in the morning of Wednesday 22 November, a road-rail vehicle (RRV) collided with a hand trolley between Smallbrook Junction and Brading, on the Island Line. At the time, maintenance workers had possession of the Island Line, which was closed to normal rail services.

The hand trolley struck two track workers standing near to the railway. Both had to attend hospital for treatment for their injuries. The RRV and the trolley were not damaged.

The investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider:

• the actions of people involved and anything which may have influenced them
• the management of the railway staff involved in the accident, including their training and competence
• the method of operation in use when the collision occurred, and the policies and procedures for managing such operations
• any underlying management factors.

The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigation that the rail industry or its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) may undertake.

RAIB will publish on its website its findings, including any recommendations for safety improvements, once it has concluded the investigation.