Following receipt of significant new evidence, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has re-opened its investigation into a fatal accident that happened at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing, near Ashtead in Surrey.

The original report (RAIB report 01/2023) into the incident was published on 14th February 2023. Since that report was published, new evidence about the accident has been made available to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

The Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents has concluded that the new evidence may be significant, and therefore the original investigation into the accident should be reopened under the provisions of section 7(8) of The Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.

The reopened investigation is independent of any other investigation being undertaken by the rail industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

At about 14:49 on Thursday, 21st April 2022, a pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by an out-of-service passenger train at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing, near Ashtead in Surrey.

The pedestrian, who was accompanied by a dog, was pushing a wheeled trolley bag. She started to cross the railway line soon after a train had passed, but was struck by a second train that was travelling in the opposite direction to the first.

The pedestrian seemed to be unaware of the second train approaching when she chose to make her crossing. The driver of this second train sounded the train’s horn on seeing the pedestrian on the crossing, which caused the pedestrian to hurry forwards towards the exit of the crossing. Unfortunately, the pedestrian was unable to get clear of the path of the train in time to avoid being struck.

When it has completed its reopened investigation, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will publish any revised findings, including any new or revised recommendations to improve safety, and will make the report available on its website.