An 82-year-old woman tragically lost her life after being struck by a Great Western Railway (GWR) train at the Pewsey footpath crossing in Wiltshire. Shirley Pope, an elderly dog walker, was hit by a passenger train traveling at approximately 93 mph on February 26 last year.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published a report shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Data from the train confirmed that the driver sounded the horn as it approached the crossing, including repeated urgent warnings upon spotting Ms. Pope on the tracks.
However, the report suggests that Ms. Pope, who experienced hearing loss, likely did not hear the warning horns. She wore a hearing aid only in her right ear—opposite the side nearest the train—and had her ears covered by a woollen hat, further hindering sound perception. Additionally, the distance from the whistle board, where the horn is sounded, to the crossing exceeded the limit set by Network Rail’s guidelines, diminishing the horn’s audibility. Ambient environmental noise may have also masked the warning signals.
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Although the exact reason why Ms. Pope proceeded onto the tracks despite the train’s immediate approach is unknown, the RAIB speculates that in the limited time she had, she may have been unable to decide whether to continue crossing or seek safety in the opposite direction.
The investigation also pointed to systemic issues, noting that temporary closure of her usual alternative route forced her to use the level crossing. Network Rail’s existing safety controls—particularly whistle boards—were found insufficient in mitigating risks, especially for users with hearing impairments. The report highlights deficiencies in Network Rail’s risk management processes concerning footpath crossings equipped with whistle boards, emphasizing the need to better safeguard vulnerable users.
In response to the findings, the RAIB has made six recommendations to Network Rail. These include reviewing the continued use of whistle boards, improving risk mitigation measures for hearing-impaired users, and factoring in the broader safety impacts when closing public rights of way.
Network Rail expressed condolences to Ms. Pope’s family and community, affirming their commitment to acting on all recommendations. They announced plans to increase level crossing management resources, enhance independent oversight, standardize risk assessments, provide advanced staff training, and engage more closely with local stakeholders—all aimed at preventing similar tragedies.