An investigation has been launched after a child was killed after being struck by a train while crossing a railway last month.
Jaiden Shehata, 11, was hit by the train travelling at 50mph while using a footpath crossing between Whyteleaf and Kenley in South London.
The fatal incident occurred on January 23 at around 8.04am, the Rail Accidents Investigation Branch (RAIB) confirmed.
A statement from Jaiden’s school, Riddlesdown college, described the Year Seven pupil as a ‘kind and popular student’.
It said: ‘We know the loss is being felt by many and we are doing everything we can to support his friends, family and the wider student and staff community at this difficult time.’
A probe into the Jaiden’s death will consider the safety of Bourneview footpath as well as any previous incidents recorded at the crossing.
The pedestrian way, which connects two residential areas of Kenley, in the London borough of Croydon, has gates on both sidse of the railway and signs instructing users how to cross the tracks safely.
It comes as nearly 4,000 people have signed a petition to the Department of Transport calling for the level crossing to be shut down.
One resident commented: ‘It’s unacceptable in such a great country for kids to be going through such dangerous journey just to get to school. It’s such a shame.
‘His parents are living in unprecedented pain and the whole community has been devastated and mourning him. May God comfort his family and friends.’
‘These pedestrian level crossings should not exist. They belong in a bygone age. They are too dangerous and this has been highlighted numerous times in the past when tragedies have occurred at other similar level crossings’, another wrote.
As well as determining the sequence of events which led to the tragic incident, the RAIB investigation will consider the ‘management of risk’ at the crossing as well as the wider risk strategy employed by Network Rail, which is responsible for managing the country’s railway infrastructure.
RAIB added that its probe would be separate to any inquiry carried out by the Office for Rail and Road, which regulates the rail industry.
Croydon Council also said it was investigating the safety of the crossing, which it said had been the site of a series of incidents dating back to 2000.
Councillor Gayle Gander said Croydon’s executive mayor would meet with community leaders to discuss the ‘heartbreaking tragedy’.
She said: ‘We remain committed to making this crossing safer—so that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss. These ongoing investigations will inform the next steps.’
has contacted British Transport Police for comment.