An inquest found that 11-year-old Jaiden Shehata was distracted by his phone when he was struck and killed by a train at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley on Jan. 23, 2025. RAIB-reviewed CCTV showed the child looking at a mobile device while crossing a route without barriers or active warning lights; the train, traveling about 50 mph, could not stop in time. The coroner recorded the cause of death as "severe neck injuries." Network Rail plans to install stop lights and a warning signal, and the crossing remains closed while officials consult local schools.
11-Year-Old Killed at London Rail Crossing Was Distracted by Phone, Inquest Finds
Jaiden ShehataCredit: British Transport Police
An inquest has concluded that 11-year-old Jaiden Shehata was distracted by his phone when he was struck and killed by a train on his way to school on Jan. 23, 2025.
What Happened
The incident occurred at the Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley in South London. CCTV footage reviewed by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) showed Jaiden, a pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate, appearing to be focused on a mobile device as he walked across a crossing that lacks barriers and active warning lights. A train travelling at about 50 mph struck the boy; the driver sounded the horn and applied the emergency brake but did not have enough distance to avoid the collision.
Official Findings
At a coroner’s hearing on Sept. 24, authorities determined that distraction by the phone and the absence of active warning signals contributed to the accidental death. Medical reports recorded the cause of death as "severe neck injuries." The RAIB and local outlets cited CCTV evidence in reaching that conclusion.
The Bourneview footpath crossing near Kenley, LondonCredit: British Transport Police
Response And Safety Measures
Network Rail confirmed plans to install additional safety measures at the site, including stop lights and a warning signal designed to indicate when it is safe to cross. The crossing remains closed while Network Rail consults with local schools and other community stakeholders before reopening.
"Everybody, everybody, looks at their phone," said Senior Coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe at the hearing. "So please, let that go because every single person in this room does that, and he was only 11 years old."
South London Coroners' Court, Network Rail and the RAIB did not immediately respond to requests for further comment from national outlets covering the case.
Why This Matters
The tragic death underlines the risks posed by passive pedestrian crossings and the growing concern about mobile-phone distraction near transport infrastructure. Authorities say improved signalling and community education are part of the response to reduce the chance of a similar accident occurring in future.
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