Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Investigation into a fatal accident involving a child at Bourneview footpath crossing, Kenley, London Borough of Croydon, 23 January 2025.
Bourneview footpath crossing (courtesy of British Transport Police).
At around 08:04 on 23 January 2025, a child was struck by a train and fatally injured while crossing the railway on Bourneview footpath crossing, situated between Whyteleafe and Kenley in the London Borough of Croydon. The train involved was travelling at about 50 mph (80 km/h) at the time of the accident.
Bourneview footpath crossing provides access for pedestrians between two residential areas of Kenley. The crossing has gates on either side of the railway and is provided with signage which instructs users how to cross.
Our investigation will determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and will include consideration of:
- the factors which may have affected the decisions and actions of the child as they used the crossing
- any previous incidents at Bourneview footpath crossing and how these may be relevant to this accident
- the management of risk at this crossing and Network Rail’s wider strategy for assessing and mitigating risks at footpath crossings
- any relevant underlying factors
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
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Updates to this page
Published 17 February 2025