Investigation and inquest
On 7 October 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Derek Edward Hope THOMAS aged 83. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 24 January 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was that he died of multiple injuries sustained when he crossed the railway line at the pedestrian crossing at Aile Holt Bentley in Hampshire on his mobility scooter and was struck by a train.
Circumstances of the death
The deceased was a local resident who used the crossing regularly. He used a mobility scooter. On fifth October 2016 he used the foot crossing at Bentley station. He did not appear to see or hear the approaching non-stopping train which struck him causing him catastrophic injury.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The crossing is unmanned and unprotected
(2) The only direct warning is the horn being sounded by the driver some 400 m from the crossing
(3) Visibility is obscured by a fence although remedial action has been taken to reduce the height of it thereby improving visibility