An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being struck by a train at a level crossing, with investigators believing he was distracted by a video playing on his mobile device.
Jaiden Shehata was on his way to school on January 23 when he encountered a Southern train traveling at a speed of 50 mph (31 km/h) at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley in south London, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Similar to many footpath crossings, this location lacks warning lights and barriers, placing the responsibility on users to stop, look, listen, and make a judgment call on when to cross.
Network Rail has announced that it is implementing “significant measures” aimed at preventing future fatalities, which include the introduction of safety enhancements.
CCTV footage appearing to capture the incident showed Jaiden approaching the crossing while directing his attention downward towards a “glowing object,” which is most likely the illuminated screen of his phone, all while his hood was drawn over his head.
Examination of his phone indicates that a video was actively playing at the moment of the incident.
As Jaiden began to cross the tracks, the train driver honked the horn and engaged the emergency brakes. Though he noticed the boy and reacted, there was insufficient time for Jaiden to move out of the way before the train arrived.
According to the RAIB, the accident occurred due to Jaiden’s inability to recognize the danger posed by the oncoming train, likely a result of the distraction from his phone.
Jaiden attended the nearby Riddlesdown Collegiate secondary school and had frequently used the crossing on his route to and from school since he started there in September 2024, as reported by the RAIB.
The latest risk assessment from Network Rail, conducted in May 2023, highlighted six near misses between November 30, 2018, and February 9, 2023.
Previously, there had been a recorded fatality in March 2020, attributed to a deliberate act.
The RAIB has advised educational curriculum developers in the UK to collaborate with railway infrastructure managers to implement “targeted and locally relevant railway safety education for students of all ages.”
Additionally, two recommendations were made for Network Rail, in coordination with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). The first recommendation emphasized making hazardous areas at level crossings more visible, especially for those who might be distracted, while the second suggested evaluating whether a different strategy for “risk mitigation” at these crossings was necessary for younger individuals.
A spokesperson for the RSSB stated, “Maintaining safety at level crossings continues to be a priority for the RSSB and the rail industry, and we will be working closely to consider and execute the recommendations set forth by the RAIB.”
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex route director for Network Rail, expressed, “There are no adequate words to convey our grief after such a tragic loss. We are taking considerable steps to ensure that a tragedy like this does not occur again.
“After collaborating closely with Croydon Council, we temporarily closed the crossing on August 11. In December, we will install miniature stop lights to enhance safety by providing clear signals and audible warnings indicating when it is safe to cross. We are thoroughly reviewing the RAIB report and will take appropriate action based on its recommendations.”
