RAIB announces investigation into death of pedestrian at foot crossing

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating the death of a pedestrian who was killed when struck by a train on the Berks and Hants line.

The pedestrian was crossing the line at Pewsey footpath crossing in Wiltshire at 1356 on February 26 when they were hit by the 1303 London Paddington-Plymouth GWR service travelling at 96mph.

RAIB said the crossing connects a residential area of the village and countryside to the north of the line. It also has gates on either side and written instructions.

The investigation will examine factors that may have affected the pedestrian’s decisions, previous incidents at that location, management of risk at the crossing and Network Rail’s wider strategy for assessing and mitigating footpath crossing risks.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.