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Family Challenges RAIB Finding That Boy Killed at Crossing Was Distracted by Phone

The high-risk Kenley footpath lacked warning lights after long-planned upgrades slipped.

Overview

  • The Rail Accident Investigation Branch concluded Jaiden Shehata was probably looking at his phone when he entered the Bourneview footpath crossing.
  • Investigators cited CCTV showing a glowing screen in his hands and phone data indicating a short video clip was playing at the time.
  • The crossing had no active warning systems such as lights or barriers, which the RAIB identified as a probable causal factor.
  • Network Rail had proposed installing warning lights two years earlier, with the work now scheduled to be completed in March next year.
  • Jaiden’s parents reject the focus on distraction and blame delayed safety improvements, while the rail regulator says it found no health and safety law breaches and will oversee RAIB recommendations.