Jogger wearing headphones nearly hit by train after crossing railway path

Jogger wearing headphones nearly hit by train after crossing railway path thumbnail

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

A jogger wearing headphones narrowly avoided being hit by a train after using a level crossing without checking to see if anything was approaching.

The runner used the Ridgway Path level crossing while a Chiltern Railways train, heading from London to Oxford, was mere metres away at 8.30am on November 6.

Shocking footage from the driver’s seat showed the person only just making it across the tracks in time. Network Rail have now released the clip as they urged people to always ‘stop, look and listen’ every time they cross a railway.

Rhys Evans, a level crossing manager, said: ‘The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for this level crossing user.

‘No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must stop, look and listen every single time they cross the railway. Additionally, you must always remove headphones when using a level crossing.

‘It would be easy to believe that level crossings in more rural areas would be less dangerous, but all crossings must be approached with the same caution and users must avoid distractions and concentrate on crossing the railway safely.’

Ian Hyde, engineering and safety director at Chiltern Railways, noted that trains run ‘frequently’ across the network. Up to 121 trains pass over the Ridgway Path level crossing at high speeds every day.

Mr Hyde said: ‘Near-misses leave drivers feeling very shaken and we would urge people to please respect the railway and when crossing, follow the instructions and remain vigilant at all times. This near miss, but for a few seconds, could have had far worse consequences.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.   

Get your need-to-know
latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more