Boy, 11, killed by train due to phone distraction, inquest finds
Bourneview footpath crossing in Kenley, Croydon, was classified as 'reasonably high risk' by Network Rail.
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An 11-year-old boy, Jaiden Shehata, died after being struck by a train at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley, Croydon, on 23 January 2025. Senior coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe concluded at an inquest that the death was caused by distraction from his mobile phone and the lack of active warning systems at the crossing.
Crossing risk and contributing factors
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The inquest jury determined that Jaiden "did not perceive the danger of the train approaching, probably because he was distracted by his mobile phone." They also cited the Bourneview crossing as a passive crossing, not fitted with active warning systems to alert pedestrians to an approaching train. Jaiden, a Year 7 student at Riddlesdown Collegiate, was using the route to school, which he had done for four months. On the day of the incident, he was walking alone, having previously used the route with his older brother.
Evidence presented at the inquest indicated that Jaiden was looking at an eight-second video sent to him on WhatsApp at the time of the incident. CCTV footage from the train showed a "glowing object in his hands," and the coroner noted he was not wearing headphones. Ms Ormond-Walshe stated that mobile phone use while crossing is "very much normal behaviour by all of us."
Network Rail assessment and planned works
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Daniel Fisk, head of Level Crossings and Public Safety at Network Rail, informed the inquest that Bourneview crossing was classified as C4, meaning "reasonably high risk," in a Network Rail assessment conducted in May 2023. For a footpath crossing, this risk level was considered "average, or slightly worse than average." The manager of the level crossing had identified the need for safety improvements in May 2023, with planned work scheduled for March 2026. This timeline was deemed acceptable by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) for implementing recommended changes.
The inquest heard that there had been approximately one near miss per year at the Bourneview crossing. Ms Ormond-Walshe indicated she would be writing a report on the prevention of future deaths following Jaiden's incident.
Questions this report answers
+What was the cause of death for Jaiden Shehata?
An inquest jury concluded that Jaiden Shehata, an 11-year-old boy, died from severe neck injuries after being struck by a train. The probable causes identified were distraction from his mobile phone and the lack of active warning systems at the Bourneview footpath crossing.
+How risky was the Bourneview crossing assessed to be?
In May 2023, Network Rail assessed the Bourneview footpath crossing as risk level C4, which is classified as 'reasonably high risk'. For a footpath crossing, this level was considered average or slightly worse than average.
+What were the findings of the inquest jury?
The jury found that Jaiden did not perceive the approaching train's danger, likely due to distraction from his mobile phone. They also concluded that the passive nature of the crossing, lacking visual or auditory warnings, was a probable cause of the accident.
+What actions are planned following the incident?
The senior coroner, Sarah Ormond-Walshe, stated that she would be writing a report on the prevention of future deaths. Network Rail had already identified the need for safety improvements at the crossing in May 2023, with planned works scheduled for March 2026.
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