11-YEAR-OLD BOY FATALLY STRUCK BY TRAIN WHILE WALKING TO SCHOOL AS INQUEST REVEALS PHONE DISTRACTION

An 11-year-old schoolboy was fatally struck by a train while walking to school in south London after investigators found that he was likely distracted by his mobile phone.

Jaiden Shehata, a pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate, died on January 23, 2025, after being hit at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley.

More than a year after the tragedy, a recent inquest has examined the final moments of the young boy’s life and the circumstances that led to his death.

JAIDEN WAS WALKING TO SCHOOL

Jaiden was making his usual journey to school that morning when he approached the railway crossing shortly after 8 a.m.

The crossing did not have barriers or warning lights. Instead, pedestrians were expected to stop, look and listen before deciding whether it was safe to cross.

According to an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, Jaiden had regularly used the crossing since beginning at Riddlesdown Collegiate the previous September.

CCTV footage showed the 11-year-old walking toward the crossing with his coat hood pulled over his head.

Investigators found that he appeared to be looking down at a glowing object in his hands, believed to be the screen of his mobile phone.

Analysis of his phone indicated that a video clip was playing around the time of the accident.

THE TRAIN DRIVER TRIED TO WARN HIM

A Southern train was travelling at approximately 50 mph when its driver saw Jaiden begin to cross the tracks.

The driver sounded the train’s horn and immediately applied the emergency brake.

Jaiden looked up after the warning, but there was not enough time for him to get clear of the approaching train.

The train eventually stopped about 200 metres beyond the crossing.

Jaiden suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

INQUEST FINDS PHONE DISTRACTION CONTRIBUTED TO HIS DEATH

At the latest hearing, investigators’ findings were discussed in detail.

The inquest concluded that Jaiden was “distracted by his phone” at the time of the accident.

His phone distraction, together with the absence of warning signals at the crossing, contributed to what was ruled an accidental death.

His cause of death was recorded as severe neck injuries, according to reports from the hearing.

South London Senior Coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe addressed Jaiden’s grieving family during the hearing.

“Everybody, everybody, looks at their phone,” she said, according to reports.

She urged those present to remember the tragedy and added that Jaiden was only 11 years old.

SAFETY CONCERNS AT THE CROSSING

Jaiden’s death also raised questions about the safety of the Bourneview crossing.

The location did not have barriers, warning lights or other signals to alert pedestrians that a train was approaching.

A previous risk assessment by Network Rail had recorded several near misses at the crossing between 2018 and 2023, according to ITV News.

Following Jaiden’s death, Network Rail said additional safety measures would be introduced.

These include stop lights and a warning signal designed to indicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross.

The crossing has remained closed while safety improvements are carried out and officials consult with local schools.

A TRAGEDY THAT HAS LEFT A FAMILY HEARTBROKEN

For Jaiden’s family, the inquest has provided further detail about what happened during his final moments.

The investigation found no indication that the boy deliberately ignored an approaching train. Instead, investigators concluded that he likely failed to perceive the danger because his attention was focused on his phone.

The case has also highlighted the risks that can arise when pedestrians use phones near railway tracks, particularly at crossings where people must make their own judgment about when it is safe to proceed.

Jaiden was only 11 years old when his journey to school ended in tragedy.

His death has since prompted renewed attention to safety measures at the crossing, with improvements now being made to help prevent another child or pedestrian from suffering the same fate.