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Wednesday, 15 February 2023

A report has found an elderly woman died on a railway crossing in Ashtead because she was unaware a train was approaching.

The 85 year old had been walking her dog when she was struck on the Lady Howard footpath last April. 

She had started to cross the tracks after a train had passed but was hit by a second out of service train travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the second train sounded its horn upon seeing her. 

But the victim was unable to get clear of the path of the train which the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report says was hidden by the first train.

The RAIB has made two recommendations to Network Rail based on its findings. 

The first is intended to address the risk to pedestrians at these crossings arising from a second approaching train being hidden from view by another train. 

The second recommendation concerns the implementation of appropriate interim risk mitigations at level crossings that are awaiting long-term solutions.

Network Rail said it intends to install warning lights and has already put up more signage.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:00 pm