Inquest Rules Schoolboy, 11, Fatally Distracted by Phone at Train Crossing
An inquest concluded that a young boy's death at a high-risk level crossing was likely due to distraction by his mobile phone.
An 11-year-old schoolboy was fatally struck by a train at a level crossing while likely distracted by his smartphone, an inquest has determined. Jaiden Shehata, a Year 7 student, died on January 23 last year while crossing the Bourneview crossing near Kenley, south London, on his way to Riddlesdown Collegiate.
Jaiden, who had been walking to school alone, entered the path of an oncoming London-bound train despite the driver sounding the horn. CCTV footage showed the schoolboy holding a "glowing object in his hands" shortly before the collision. The inquest heard that Jaiden was watching an eight-second video sent to him on WhatsApp at the time.
A jury concluded that the probable cause of his death was that he "did not perceive the danger of the train approaching, probably because he was distracted by his mobile phone." The jury also noted that a lack of active warning systems at the crossing contributed to the accidental death.
Senior coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe acknowledged the prevalence of phone distraction, stating, "Everybody, everybody, looks at their phone. So please, let that go because every single person in this room does that, and he was only 11 years old." She indicated plans to issue a report on the prevention of future deaths.
The crossing had been ranked by Network Rail as a C4, signifying a "high" risk. It was scheduled for safety improvements, but it took seven months for Network Rail to close the crossing, a delay partly attributed to the need for permission from Croydon Council, as it is a public right of way. Network Rail's head of level crossing and safety, Daniel Fisk, stated the crossing was "compliant" with standards at the time of the tragedy, though a petition from Jaiden's family reportedly influenced its eventual closure.
Risk assessments in 2023 had identified potential safety enhancements, including improved signage and the installation of "miniature stop lights." Designs for these improvements were being drawn up a month before Jaiden's death. The crossing has been ranked as the 13th most dangerous footpath on Network Rail's Sussex route. The work has since been completed, but the crossing remains closed pending further engagement with local schools on rail safety.