An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a train accident at a level crossing due to being distracted by a video on his mobile phone, according to an investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:03 am on January 23 as Jaiden Shehata was on his way to school near Kenley, South London. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reported that he was struck by a Southern train traveling at around 50mph.
Despite the train driver sounding the horn and applying the emergency brake upon seeing Jaiden on the railway, the boy did not manage to move away before the train reached the crossing.
The impact was fatal, resulting in severe injuries to the schoolboy, with the train coming to a stop about 207 meters beyond the crossing.
Investigations revealed that the accident was likely caused by Jaiden’s lack of awareness of the approaching train, possibly due to being engrossed in his phone.
CCTV footage showed Jaiden walking towards the crossing, focusing on a glowing object, presumably the illuminated screen of his phone, with his hood covering his head. Analysis indicated that a video was playing on his phone at the time of the incident.
Jaiden, a student at Riddlesdown Collegiate secondary school, had been using the crossing routinely since starting school in September, as reported by local media.
The crossing lacked warning lights or barriers, a common feature in many footpath crossings, requiring users to independently assess the safety of crossing by stopping, looking, and listening for trains.
A recent risk assessment by Network Rail in May 2023 documented six near misses, including one fatality in March 2020, categorized as intentional.
The RAIB recommended collaboration between curriculum developers and railway authorities to incorporate targeted railway safety education for students and proposed enhancements at level crossings to enhance visibility, especially for distracted individuals, and to tailor risk management strategies for younger users.
In response to the tragedy, an RSSB spokesperson conveyed condolences to Jaiden’s family and friends, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to implementing the RAIB’s suggestions for ensuring level crossing safety.
Network Rail was contacted for comments on the matter.
