Two men died on Wednesday morning when they were struck by a train in Port Talbot.

Michael “Spike” Lewis, 58, from North Connelly and Gareth Delbridge, 64, from Kenfig Hill were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A third person was treated for shock but was uninjured.

Superintendent Andy Morgan said: “Following a number of urgent enquiries into this tragic incident, it has been established that the three people were railway workers who were working on the lines at the time.

“The initial stages of the investigation suggest that the two men who died had been wearing ear defenders at the time, tragically, could not hear the a passenger train approaching.

“We have a number of officers who remain in the area and we are continuing to work alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to understand the full circumstances of what happened in the moments before this incredibly sad, fatal collision.

“The two men’s families have been both informed and we will be providing them with as much help and support as possible through this undoubtedly difficult and distressing time.

“Likewise, we will make sure those who witnessed this traumatic incident, both at the scene and on board the striking train, receive the necessary support they require.”

The RMT rail union is now demanding a suspension of similar works until the full facts of the accident are discovered.

“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.”

Picture supplied by the family of Michael Lewis