Rail Safety Review After Fatal Level Crossing Crash Near Teynham

Rail safety investigators have called for urgent changes to private railway crossings following the death of a delivery van driver in a collision with a passenger train near Teynham in Kent.

The accident happened at around 12.42 on the Sunday 13th July 2025, at a Bax User Worked Level Crossing. A train travelling from Ramsgate to London Victoria, at approximately 71 miles per hour, struck a stationary delivery van resulting in he van driver being fatally injured.

A report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch found that the van driver had almost certainly been misled by a green warning light, believing it was safe to enter the crossing after opening the entrance gate, despite the exit gate still being closed.

Investigators also found that signs and the lack of road markings failed to make the correct crossing procedure clear. The driver's training and guidance from the logistics company had also not adequately prepared them to use this type of crossing safely.

RAIB Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents Andrew Hall said private user-worked crossings were a "19th century concept operating in a 21st century world" of faster, more frequent trains and increasing home deliveries."

He warned that most road users were unfamiliar with these crossings and how to use them safely.

The investigation has made four recommendations, including a review of crossing design, improved guidance for road users and better safety training for people who drive for work.

Mr Hall urged the rail industry, delivery companies and government bodies to act, saying they must find effective ways to reduce the risk "before there is further tragedy."

The report follows another fatal accident involving a delivery van at a user-worked crossing in Lancashire in August 2026.