Boy, 11, killed by train near Kenley level crossing

An 11-year-old boy, Jaiden Shehata, died on January 23, 2025, after being struck by a train on a level crossing near Kenley. An inquest into his death heard that Jaiden was likely distracted by a video on his new iPhone, which he had received as a Christmas gift a month prior. The incident occurred around 8am as Jaiden was on his way to Riddlesdown Collegiate in south Croydon.

The inquest, held at South London Coroner's Court, heard that Jaiden, who used the Bourneview crossing daily, walked into the path of an oncoming London-bound train. The train driver sounded the horn, but Jaiden sustained an injury from which he could not survive. Analysis of his phone indicated a video was playing at the time of the accident.

High-Risk Crossing

The Bourneview crossing was classified by Network Rail as a C4, or "high" risk footpath. It was ranked the 13th most dangerous of 111 footpaths on Network Rail's Sussex route. Despite this classification, Network Rail stated the crossing was "compliant" with its standards at the time of the tragedy and that the company did not have the legal authority to close it then. Daniel Fisk, Network Rail's head of level crossing and safety, told the jury that the risk was "being managed as practicable".

A Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report published after Jaiden's death highlighted concerns about the crossing's design and construction. The report noted the "old and unimposing" fence and gate, and a muddy, sloping path that might cause users to look downwards to watch their step, potentially diverting their attention from signage.

Crossing Closure and Future Plans

Seven months after Jaiden's death, Network Rail closed the Bourneview level crossing. The company acknowledged that the closure was influenced more by a petition from Jaiden's family than by Network Rail's own assessment. While safety improvements, including "miniature stop lights" and better signage, were completed earlier this year, the crossing remains closed. Network Rail plans to conduct further engagement with local schools regarding rail safety before considering its reopening.