Surrey: New report into pensioner's rail crash death

The woman died at the Lady Howard crossing near Ashtead in April 2022

Network Rail did not consider "alternative options" to make a crossing less risky while waiting for stop lights to be installed, according to an updated report into the death of a woman struck by a train.

The 85-year-old had been crossing the tracks near Ashtead, Surrey.

She had been unable to see the train because it was hidden by another train going the other way, the report said.

Network Rail says it has "accepted" the recommendations.

The victim was hit by a second Southern train travelling at 62mph (99km/h) in the opposite direction in the April 2022 incident.

'Unacceptable risk'

New evidence in the reopened investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) heard that although Network Rail had planned to install stop lights at the crossing to alert pedestrians, the lights had been delayed.

The original report released by the RAIB in February 2023 said Network Rail knew the crossing posed an "unacceptable risk".

RAIB's updated report said Network Rail had not considered "alternative options" to mitigate the risk while waiting for lights to be installed.

It also had not considered applying for a derogation - or relaxation of the rule - which would have allowed it to fit a simpler version of the stop light system.

Changes made

The revised report suggests Network Rail should check whether it is possible to check for derogations to reduce risk in future.

A Network Rail spokesperson said it accepted the recommendations in the report.

"We've already made changes at this location including installing new miniature stop lights, and designing, developing and fitting new industry-standard signage which became law last year, alerting people to the possibility that an oncoming train may be hidden by another train."

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