Investigation claims boy hit by train at crossing ‘was distracted by phone’
Schoolboy, 11, killed by train at level crossing ‘was distracted by his phone’
- An 11-year-old boy, Jaiden Shehata, was fatally struck by a train at a level crossing in south London on 23 January, an investigation has found.
- The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) concluded that Jaiden was likely distracted by a video playing on his mobile phone and did not perceive the risk.
- The incident occurred at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley, which lacks warning lights or barriers, requiring users to assess safety themselves.
- The RAIB has recommended that UK schools introduce targeted railway safety lessons and that Network Rail improve risk mitigation at crossings, especially for younger users.
- Network Rail has temporarily closed the crossing and plans to install miniature stop lights in December to enhance safety, committing to act on the RAIB's recommendations.