11-year-old killed on South Croydon level crossing after phone distraction
An 11-year-old boy was fatally struck by a train at the Bourneview footpath crossing in South Croydon, with investigators saying he was likely looking at a video on his phone.
Jaiden Shehata, an 11-year-old new pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate in South Croydon, was killed after being hit by a train at the Bourneview footpath crossing on 23 January 2025. He had been walking the route with his older brother for four months but was alone that morning. CCTV from the train captured him holding a glowing object, and evidence indicated he was watching a short video sent via WhatsApp.
The South London Coroners' Court jury found his failure to perceive the train was probably due to the phone distraction and noted the crossing’s passive design offered no visual or audible warnings. Network Rail’s Daniel Fisk described the crossing’s risk rating as C4, “reasonably high,” and mentioned a history of near-misses. The senior coroner, Sarah Ormond-Walshe, expressed sympathy and announced plans to issue recommendations aimed at improving safety at similar crossings.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of mobile-phone distraction and the need for better safety measures at passive level crossings.
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