Boy, 11, died on level crossing after watching phone video

An 11-year-old boy was watching a video on his mobile phone moments before he was struck and killed by a train at a south London level crossing, an inquest has heard. Jaiden Shehata died at approximately 8:03am on January 23, 2025, at the Bourneview footpath crossing in Croydon. He had been on his way to school when he accidentally walked in front of a train travelling at about 55mph.

The South London Coroners' Court heard that Jaiden was believed to be distracted by an eight-second video sent to him by a friend on WhatsApp. His mother, Naglaa Meleika, stated in a statement read to the court that the video showed his friend's feet walking.

Crossing Safety History

The jury inquest is examining the safety record of the Bourneview footpath level crossing. This includes why the location was previously classified as high-risk and how Network Rail assessed its safety. The investigation is also considering whether earlier safety measures should have been implemented, given that six previous near-misses had been logged at the site. The coroner is looking into broader risks for children using these types of passive crossings.

Jaiden, a Year 7 student at Riddlesdown Collegiate in South Croydon, was walking to school when the incident occurred. His family initiated a petition calling for the closure of the crossing, which gathered 4,030 signatures. Despite their efforts, the crossing remained open until August 2025, when it was temporarily closed and has not yet reopened.

Daniel Fisk, Head of Level Crossings and Public Safety at Network Rail, told the inquest that it is the organisation's policy to close as many level crossings as possible due to the inherent safety risks. He confirmed that the Bourneview crossing had met Network Rail's standards to remain open at the time of Jaiden's death.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) concluded that Jaiden was distracted by the video on his phone. Their findings indicated that the train driver sounded the horn and applied the emergency brake upon seeing Jaiden begin to cross. Jaiden looked up but did not have sufficient time to move clear before the train arrived at the crossing.

Jaiden's family described him as a "thoughtful and kind hearted" boy who loved to spread happiness and always had a smile. They highlighted his passion for football, his support for Chelsea, and his role as a Deacon since the age of four. His death has left his family "completely shattered" and lost in grief.

What Happens Next

The inquest into Jaiden Shehata's death was ongoing as of September 22, 2025, with a conclusion expected later that week.