Amazon driver killed at level crossing with design flaws, inquiry finds

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 15:13 · Archive

An Amazon delivery driver was killed by a train at a manually operated level crossing in Kent after apparent confusion over the safety system.

Brandon Hatcher, 23, of Ashford, Kent, died when his van was struck by a Southeastern passenger train travelling at 90mph from Ramsgate to London at the Bax crossing near Teynham on 13 July last year. The train driver applied emergency brakes but could not avoid the collision. Three train passengers sustained minor injuries.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigation found that the crossing's miniature stop light system and signage "almost certainly led" Hatcher to believe it was safe to enter once the entry gate had been opened, despite the exit gate still being closed. The crossing has gates either side of the railway, with green lights indicating no approaching trains. The light turns red and an audible warning sounds when a train is detected. Hatcher had opened the exit gate but not sufficiently to pass on his first attempt and was returning to his van when the train came into view 300 metres away.

Safety inspectors said the signage "did not sufficiently consider how diverse information sources may influence crossing user behaviour" and had not effectively guided the driver to use the correct procedure. The Daily Mail reports that Amazon had "not prepared" the self-employed driver for the crossing. The RAIB found "an obvious risk of further tragedy", with a second similar fatal event still being investigated, and called for an overhaul of manually operated level crossings.

How it is being reported

• Amazon driver's death at level crossing blamed on confusing green lightsThe lights ‘almost certainly’ led Brandon Hatcher to believe it was safe to enter the crossing, investigation findsThe Independent · 9 Nov, 15:19
• Amazon delivery driver 'almost certainly' entered level crossing due to green lights before being fatally hit by train, investigators sayBrandon Hatcher's van was stationary on a 'user worked' crossing near Teynham in Kent when it was struck by a passenger train travelling from Ramsgate to London Victoria last year.Daily Mail · 9 Nov, 14:57
• ‘Obvious risk of further tragedy’ at rail crossing type at which Amazon driver died, inquiry findsCall for overhaul of manually operated level crossings after delivery worker was killed by passenger train in Kent An Amazon delivery driver was killed by a train after he drove his van on to railway tracks at a manually operated level crossing, apparently without realising he needed to open the exit gate first, an official investigation has reported. Safety inspectors said there was “an obvious risk of further tragedy”, with a second similar fatal event still being investigated, and called for an overhaul of this type of crossing. Continue reading...Guardian Business · 9 Nov, 13:43

In this story: Brandon Hatcher · Amazon · Rail Accident Investigation Branch · Teynham · Kent

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