London Level Crossing Closed After Children Seen Playing Dangerous Games With Trains

Brickfields level crossing in Upminster, London, has been closed by Network Rail due to repeated instances of children and teenagers engaging in dangerous behavior, including playing 'chicken' with oncoming trains and performing stunts on the tracks. The closure, initially set for 21 days from September 30, will be extended until local schools have educated all year groups on railway trespassing dangers.

Photographs and footage show young people jumping out of the path of trains at the last second, performing handstands, using their phones, and racing to cross the tracks before trains arrive. Network Rail stated that the behavior puts individuals at significant risk of injury or death. The railway line is used by approximately 230 trains daily.

Network Rail's Shenel Bullock emphasized the priority of public safety, explaining the difficult decision to close the crossing. She acknowledged potential inconvenience but stressed the unignorability of the risks. The temporary closure allows for an assessment of further safety measures. Bullock appealed to parents, carers, teachers, and the community to reinforce the message about railway safety, noting that "every railway safety conversation could help prevent a tragedy."

This incident echoes a past tragedy where an 11-year-old schoolboy, Jaiden Shehata, was killed in January 2025 after being hit by a train while walking to school. An inquest found that he was distracted by his smartphone. Jaiden was struck by a train at the Bourneview crossing near Kenley, south London, despite the train driver sounding the horn. The senior coroner noted that distraction by phones is common behavior.