A young person died after being struck by a train while crossing the railway near Bottesford station, prompting a formal safety investigation.
The incident happened at around 12pm on Saturday 25 January 2026 at Bottesford footpath crossing in Leicestershire. Emergency services attended but the individual suffered fatal injuries at the scene.
Bottesford footpath crossing provides pedestrian access between two residential areas of the village and is located immediately next to Bottesford railway station.
The crossing is fitted with gates on both sides of the railway along with signage instructing users how to cross safely.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has now confirmed it has launched an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Investigators will examine the sequence of events leading up to the accident, including factors which may have influenced the decisions and actions of those involved at the time.
The investigation will also consider whether there have been any previous incidents at Bottesford footpath crossing and whether these may be relevant to what happened.
As part of the inquiry, the RAIB will review how risks are managed at the crossing itself, alongside Network Rail’s wider approach to assessing and mitigating safety risks at footpath crossings across the rail network.
The branch said its work is entirely independent of investigations carried out by the rail industry or its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
Findings from the investigation, including any safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in future, will be published once inquiries have concluded.
