NINE rail workers were nearly crushed to death by a passenger train travelling at 80mph after they received no warning about an approaching Edinburgh to Manchester Airport service, it was revealed yesterday.

The track workers, who were operating on a small bridge on the West Coast main line in Lancashire, had just seconds to spare before the train shot past like a bullet.

They relied on receiving warnings about approaching trains since their view was restricted by the curve of the track.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said: “They were forced to take immediate evasive action when the train first became visible, approximately four seconds before it reached the site of work.

“Some staff were unable to reach a safe position and pressed themselves against the bridge parapet.”

The RAIB has launched an investigation into the incident that happened south of Hest Bank between Carnforth and Lancaster on the afternoon of September 22 this year.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “This incident once again illustrates the dangers that confront track workers on Britain’s railways daily.”