A pair of riders on a moped narrowly escaped being hit by a train travelling at around 70mph. A video captured by CCTV cameras, which you can watch at the top of this article, shows the dramatic near miss at a level crossing in West Sussex.
According to Network Rail, the riders ran red lights before flying over the crossing near Littlehampton on February 21. The criminal offence caused delay to passengers as the train driver was forced to make an emergency stop to compose himself before carrying on with the journey.
The train, the 2.30pm service from Brighton to Southampton, was reportedly travelling at around 70mph as it headed between Angmering and Littlehampton. The incident with the mopeds happened at 3.09pm at the Toddington crossing.
READ MORE: Filton Avenue: Man charged with attempted murder after alleged attack on woman
Network Rail is now urging anyone with information on what happened to come forward. If you know anything, contact British Transport Police on 61016, quoting log 411 of February 21, 2023.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, said: “We came very close to having two deaths on our railway last week and a train driver living with the memories of that. We try to make our network as safe as possible but we do need people to work with us by paying attention to red lights and barriers.
“We need to track these people down and make sure they know the consequences of their actions.”
Inspector Emma Boulton, of the British Transport Police, said: “Put simply – this is some of the most stupidly reckless behaviour on a level crossing I have seen in my entire career. These riders blatantly ignored the red light in front of them and were just split seconds away from a truly catastrophic collision, which I have no doubt would have had fatal consequences. This footage should serve as a very explicit reminder to everyone of the dangers of misusing level crossings.”
Samantha Facey, Southern’s Health, Safety & Security Director, said: “This video beggars belief. Today we could be talking about a double death with all the misery and heartache that would cause the bikers’ families and friends.
“And think of our driver: no-one should have to be put through this trauma and none of our passengers should find themselves put at risk in this way. Sadly, we’ve also seen a rise in young people trespassing on the railway – it’s an incredibly dangerous place so please, please, please keep off the tracks.”
READ NEXT:
- Pair of men with moustaches and goatees bought drinks with counterfeit money
- Woman saved £3k by ditching loo roll - but people say its gross
- Devoted dad dog on track to make £80,000 profit after starting pet poster business
- Prisoner carried out 'brutal' attack on sleeping cellmate because he didn't want to share room
- Millionaire loses latest court battle over his illegal 'man cave'
