Langley Green, West Midlands – A pedestrian came within seconds of being struck by a speeding train after recklessly climbing over closed-level crossing barriers and walking across the tracks. The shocking near-miss incident, captured on video by Network Rail, occurred at the Langley Green crossing in April.
The footage reveals the man, undeterred by the danger, nonchalantly hopping the barrier and strolling across the railway line. He barely quickened his pace despite hearing the train approaching at 55 mph. He realized the imminent danger only at the last moment and hastened his steps, narrowly avoiding the oncoming train by mere seconds. The barriers lifted moments later, signalling it was finally safe to cross.
Network Rail, responsible for the UK’s railway infrastructure, has expressed grave concern over the incident. It is one of eight recorded instances of ‘level crossing misuse’ at this location since January. Across the West Midlands, there have been 74 such cases this year alone.
“This footage at Langley Green is extremely disappointing and concerning,” said Natalie Stretton, head of operational risk for Network Rail’s Central route. “Moments later, this could have led to tragedy, which doesn’t bear thinking about for the sake of a few minutes. Despite the clear dangers, people still want to risk their lives.”
Stretton emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols at railway crossings, urging locals to cross only when barriers are lifted, and warning alarms are silent.
This incident comes just a month after a similarly terrifying moment at a crossing in Runcorn, Cheshire, where a pedestrian narrowly avoided being hit by a London Euston to Glasgow train. The train was forced to make an emergency stop to prevent a catastrophe, as the pedestrian ignored red warning lights and walked across the tracks.
Network Rail continues to urgently warn the public about the life-threatening dangers of ignoring railway crossing signals, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and patience to prevent future tragedies.
Shocking footage shows the moment a high-speed train missed a man seconds after he casually climbed a level crossing barrier and walked across the tracks.
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