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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Cathy Owen

Family's tribute to 'kindest and most loving' man killed by train in Port Talbot

The family of one of the victim's of the Port Talbot train tragedy have paid tribute to the "most loving husband, father, brother and grandad".

Network Rail workers when they were hit by a train on tracks near the Tata Steelworks on Wednesday.

On Friday, Mr Delbridge's family issued a statement through British Transport Police

They said: "Gareth was the kindest and most loving husband, father, brother, grandad and great-grandad. He loved life, work and his holidays – but most of all, his family.

"We are devastated to have lost Gaz in such tragic circumstances, and both he and Spike will be missed so sadly by all of their family and friends.

"We’d like to thank all of the emergency services , Tata Steel, and everyone else for their messages of sympathy and support at this difficult time.

"We would be grateful if people could not speculate any further on the incident and allow the investigation to take place, and give us the space and privacy we need to grieve our loved one."

Michael Lewis' family have also thanked everyone for their support.

On Thursday, they said: "He was known by everyone, and loved by everyone.

"We would like to thank everyone so much for their support during this difficult time and ask that we are now given the space we need to grieve.”

Michael Lewis (British Transport Police)

Kenfig Hill Rugby Club also paid tribute to Mr Delbridge, who was from Kenfig Hill in Bridgend, who had been involved with the club for around 30 years.

The club described him as "a true gentleman" and a loyal member who would be "surely missed" by everyone who knew him.

Tribute from Kenfig Hill Rugby Club

Tribute to rail worker killed on mainline at Port Talbot

British Transport Police said its initial investigation suggested that the two men who died were wearing ear defenders at the time and could not hear the train approaching.

Emergency services at the scene of the incident on Wednesday (Jonathan Myers)

The incident happened a short distance from Port Talbot Parkway railway station heading towards Bridgend.

A third railway worker was treated at the scene for shock but was not injured.

Superintendent Andy Morgan said they received a call from the train driver at 10am on Wednesday saying he "may have struck a number of people on the track".

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