An 82-year-old dog walker tragically lost her life after being struck by a Great Western Railway (GWR) train at a Pewsey footpath crossing in Wiltshire. A recent investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) suggests she may not have heard the train’s warning horn due to hearing impairment and environmental factors.
On February 26 last year, Shirley Pope was fatally hit at around 1:56 pm as a passenger train traveling from London Paddington to Plymouth passed through Pewsey at approximately 93 mph. The RAIB report reveals that the train driver sounded the horn near the designated whistle board and repeatedly warned upon spotting the pedestrian on the crossing.
Ms. Pope, who had prescribed hearing aids but was wearing only one at the time—the aid for her left ear (closest to the train) was not in use—was likely unaware of the train’s approach. Additionally, a woollen hat covering her ears further reduced her ability to hear.
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The report highlights that the distance between the whistle board and crossing exceeded Network Rail’s guidelines, diminishing the horn’s audibility. Environmental noise further contributed to the horn being potentially inaudible to her.
While it remains unclear why Ms. Pope continued crossing after noticing the train, the RAIB suggests she may have been uncertain how to respond in the limited time available—whether to continue, stop, or retreat.
Network Rail had temporarily closed Ms. Pope’s usual alternative route, which would have allowed her to avoid the level crossing entirely.
The RAIB also identified broader safety concerns, noting that Network Rail’s risk controls for footpath crossings with whistle boards do not adequately protect users with hearing loss or deafness. The report called for urgent review and improvement of these safety measures.
In response, the RAIB issued six recommendations aimed at better assessing risks at whistle board crossings, protecting vulnerable users, and reconsidering the suitability of whistle boards as a safety measure. Additional guidance includes evaluating the safety implications of closing public pathways.
Network Rail expressed condolences to Ms. Pope’s family and community, committing to implementing the RAIB’s recommendations. Measures include enhanced crossing management, standardized risk assessments, improved training, and stronger collaboration with local stakeholders to prevent future tragedies.