RAIB launches investigation into user-operated level crossing death

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation into a collision between a train and a delivery driver at a level crossing near Sittingbourne in Kent.

The driver of the van, who was named as Brandon Hatcher, 23, and worked for Amazon was fatally injured in the accident.

The incident took place on July 13 as a South Eastern service between London Victoria and Ramsgate passed through a user worked level crossing at Bax, which sits in between Sittingbourne and Teynham on the Chatham Main Line.

The user-worked level crossing is operated by drivers and pedestrians on either side of the track and is fitted with a miniature stop light system. RAIB said its investigation would focus on;

• the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them
• any previous incidents at this crossing, and how these may be relevant to this accident
• the management of risk at this crossing and Network Rail’s wider strategy for assessing and mitigating risks at user worked crossings
• any relevant underlying factors.

Bax crossing was labelled as an ‘A2’ risk intersection in 2021 by Network Rail which means it has the highest risk of death for a user. Between April 2017 and March 2024, there were six near-misses at the crossing.

The Office of Rail and Road is investigating the safety of user-operated crossings and the use of signage and miniature stop lights after several incidents involving user operated crossings have occured since 2023. However RAIB has clarified that its own investigation into the incident remains separate to the ongoing wider investigation by RAIB.

At the time of the incident, Steve White, Southeastern Managing Director, said the company was "fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened".

An Amazon spokesperson said: "This is a terrible incident, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

"We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate."