Investigation and inquest
On 1st April 2016 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Stephen Sean CAHILL aged 55 years. The Investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 18 August 2016. The Conclusion of the Inquest was that he died as a result of ‘Multiple Injuries’.
Circumstances of the death
On the 29th March 2016 the 2P49 Peterborough to London Kings Cross train was approximately half mile north of Sandy Railway Station when the driver saw the deceased walk from the left side of the track and lay face down on the track with his body over the rail. The train at this time was travelling at 75 miles per hour leaving the driver no time to stop. The train struck the deceased and his death was subsequently confirmed at the scene. A witness had earlier seen the deceased climb over a gate to walk on the track and lay down across the rail.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The British Transport investigation revealed that the deceased gained access to the railway line through an access gate. Both the gate and fence provide little deterrence or hindrance to someone wanting to gain access to the railway.
(2) The Investigation recommended a review of the fencing and access gates be undertaken at the location as it is relatively easy to access the track from both sides of the line. It is understood that this has not been undertaken.