HS2 Workers Fired After Air Rifle Incident Sparks Investigation
Whistleblower reported dangerous behavior, including firing an air rifle and sleeping on the job, on the £100 billion rail project.
Five workers have been dismissed from the £100 billion High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project following a whistleblower's report of dangerous and unethical behavior, including the use of a powerful air rifle inside a workshop.
The incident, which occurred at HS2's construction site in West Ruislip, London, led to a police investigation after an employee provided video footage and a dossier of concerns.
Aminadab Enos de Souza Dias, a fitter's mate from Brazil, captured video showing mechanics firing an air rifle while listening to music during night shifts. He also submitted photographs of colleagues asleep on the job and alleged he faced verbal abuse, xenophobic comments, and intimidation.
Mr. Dias contacted then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in October, warning that the air rifle had been smuggled onto the site where an 8.4-mile tunnel is under construction. His complaint was escalated to Lord Hendy, the Rail Minister, who expressed shock and raised the issue with HS2 chief Mark Wild.
In a letter to Mr. Dias, Lord Hendy stated that one worker was dismissed and four others involved in the incident were permanently removed from HS2 work. The dismissed employee, mechanic Keith Mewes, admitted to bringing his air rifle to the site for repairs, calling his decision "inappropriate" and expressing regret.
British Transport Police investigated the air rifle incident but closed their probe after determining the weapon was no longer on site. A spokesman for HS2 described the event as an "unacceptable and isolated incident" that occurred approximately 18 months prior. The company stated that disciplinary actions were taken, and health and safety processes were overhauled, including changes to contractor SCS's leadership and increased searches for prohibited items.
Separately, an explosion occurred at the same West Ruislip site in 2024 when workers attempted to fix a leaking cement pipe. CCTV footage showed workers impacted by a blast, with four requiring hospital treatment, though HS2 reported no major injuries.
HS2's budget has significantly increased from an initial £37.5 billion in 2009 to potentially over £100 billion, with services now expected to reach central London no earlier than 2040. The project has faced persistent criticism for escalating costs and delays.