Home / Disasters and Accidents / Grieving Family Blames Authorities for Son's Death at Dangerous Rail Crossing
Grieving Family Blames Authorities for Son's Death at Dangerous Rail Crossing
10 Nov
Summary
- Crossing ranked 13th highest risk on network, with 6 near misses in 5 years
- Crossing lacked safety features like lights and barriers, despite concerns raised
- Family disputes claim that 11-year-old victim was distracted by phone
On January 23, 2025, 11-year-old Jaiden Shehata was tragically killed by a 50mph train while crossing one of the most dangerous rail crossings on the network's Sussex route. Jaiden had been walking to school, accompanied by his 18-year-old brother Reece, when the accident occurred.
A report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the design and construction of the Bourneview crossing in Kenley, south London, was a causal factor in Jaiden's death. The crossing was ranked the 13th highest risk footpath on Network Rail's Sussex route, with six near misses between 2018 and 2023. Despite these concerns, the crossing lacked essential safety features like warning lights and barriers.
Jaiden's heartbroken family is vehemently disputing the RAIB's conclusion that the 11-year-old was "probably" distracted by his iPhone at the time of the accident. Jaiden's father, Jozif, argues that the death of his son was a "cheaper option" than the reported £2 million needed to make the crossing safer. He questions why the authorities did not close the crossing until the necessary improvements could be made.
In the wake of Jaiden's tragic death, Network Rail has finally begun work to install a "Miniature Stop Lights" system at the Bourneview crossing, expected to be ready before Christmas 2025. The RAIB has acknowledged that the lack of active warning systems was a "probable causal factor" in the accident.
