Incident Overview
An 82-year-old woman with hearing impairment was fatally struck by a train at a level crossing, despite the train driver sounding the horn as a warning.
Shirley Pope was walking her dog at the Pewsey footpath crossing in Wiltshire when she was hit by a Great Western Railway train traveling at 93 mph (154 km/h) on 26 February 2025.
RAIB Investigation Findings
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) released a report analyzing data from the train, which indicated the driver sounded the warning horn once upon passing a whistle board—a device intended to alert pedestrians of approaching trains.
When the driver saw Ms. Pope, he sounded the horn repeatedly. However, Ms. Pope, who had hearing difficulties, proceeded to enter the crossing.
"Evidence suggests that the pedestrian may not have heard the train's warning horn when making this decision because it was not clearly audible to them.
This was based on the likely effects of the pedestrian's hearing loss, the reduction in sound level of the warning horn over the distance between the whistle board and the crossing, which was longer than permitted by Network Rail's guidance, and the level of environmental noise near the crossing."
Ms. Pope had been prescribed hearing aids for both ears but was wearing only the one in her right ear at the time of the accident. Her left ear, which was closest to the train, did not have a hearing aid in place. Additionally, she was wearing a woollen hat that likely covered her ears, potentially further reducing her ability to hear the horn.
The RAIB report also noted that Network Rail had temporarily closed access to an alternative route that Ms. Pope normally used, which would have allowed her to avoid the level crossing altogether.
After entering the crossing and noticing the approaching train, Ms. Pope continued crossing into the train's path. The report states it remains unclear why she proceeded despite seeing the train.
Additional Contributing Factors
The RAIB identified other underlying factors that may have contributed to the accident. These include Network Rail's failure to adequately mitigate risks at footpath crossings equipped with whistle boards for users who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Recommendations and Learning Points
Following the investigation, the RAIB issued six recommendations to Network Rail. These recommendations aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation measures for whistle boards, control risks to users with hearing impairments, and review the ongoing use of whistle boards at footpath crossings.
The report also advised that the rail operator consider the broader safety implications of closing public rights of way when making asset management decisions.
Additionally, the RAIB report highlighted three learning points focused on improving understanding and compliance with relevant standards and guidance, as well as enhancing communication regarding incidents.
Network Rail Response
A spokesperson for Network Rail stated:
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Ms Pope's loved ones and the local community.
We continue to recognise the profound impact this tragic loss has had."
The spokesperson confirmed that Network Rail welcomes the RAIB's findings and is actively implementing all recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Actions being taken include introducing additional level crossing management resources, strengthening independent assurance and oversight, and standardizing risk assessment procedures across the route.
Contact and Further Information
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