Amazon driver's death at level crossing blamed on confusing green lights

Investigators have linked a fatal crash at a Kent level crossing to the way that the crossing’s signals and signage were laid out.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that green stop lights “almost certainly” led Amazon driver Brandon Hatcher to believe it was safe to enter the crossing before his van was struck by a train and he died.

His delivery van was stationary on the user worked crossing near Teynham when it was hit.

The passenger train involved was travelling from Ramsgate to London Victoria.

The collision happened at around 12.42pm on 13 July 2025, and the train was moving at about 71mph at the time, the RAIB said.

Mr Hatcher was fatally injured in the collision.

It is understood that he had been delivering Amazon parcels when the incident happened.

No-one else was injured during the incident.

The RAIB's investigation examined the conditions at Bax user worked crossing, where the crash occurred.

It found that the signage there, together with a lack of markings on the road “did not effectively guide the delivery driver to use the correct crossing procedure”.

The report also said that training and guidance provided to the self-employed driver, who was working on behalf of a logistics company, “had not prepared them to use the crossing safely”.

Investigators said: “RAIB’s investigation found that the van was stationary on the level crossing because the green light shown by the miniature stop light system when the delivery driver arrived almost certainly led them to believe that it was safe to enter the crossing once the entry gate had been opened, despite the exit gate still being closed.”

The crossing has gates on either side of the railway.

It is also fitted with a miniature stop light system, which shows a green light if no trains are approaching.

When a train is detected approaching the crossing, the light turns to red and an audible warning is sounded.

Instructions on signs at the crossing tell users to check the green light is showing before opening both gates, then crossing with a vehicle before closing both gates, the report said.

Investigators said that work to develop and implement new signage at private crossings such as Bax “did not sufficiently consider how diverse information sources may influence crossing behaviour”.

“In addition, RAIB found that, once Network Rail had fitted miniature stop lights at a crossing, it became unlikely that further upgrades would take place, and reliance on signs being understood and obeyed remained essential for safe crossing usage,” investigators said.

The RAIB has made four recommendations following the report.

One calls on Network Rail to review the design of user worked crossings to reduce risk to users.

Another asks the Department for Transport (DfT), along with the Office of Rail and Road and other rail industry bodies, to update the framework of legal requirements and guidance to road users for user worked level crossings.

Investigators have also written to the Health and Safety Executive.

That letter asks the executive to review guidance for organisations employing people to drive or ride for work or using self-employed people to do so, on the safe use of this type of crossing.

Andrew Hall, chief inspector of rail accidents, said: “Private user worked crossings are a 19th century concept operating in a 21st century world of more dense, faster rail services, more rural housing and abundant home deliveries.

“Most road users are unfamiliar with this type of crossing and with how to use them safely.”

Mr Hall continued: “I urge the rail industry duty holders, the domestic delivery industry, the Office of Rail and Road, and the Department for Transport to find effective ways to mitigate this obvious risk before there is further tragedy.”

An ORR spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in these incidents.

“User-worked level crossings present particular safety risks, especially when people may be unfamiliar with how to use them.

“We expect Network Rail to assess and manage these risks effectively, taking account of changes in how crossings are used, and to consider closure or additional safety measures where appropriate.

“We welcome RAIB’s report and will carefully consider its findings and recommendations.

“We will continue to work with Network Rail and other relevant organisations to ensure lessons are learned and improvements made to protect crossing users, passengers and railway staff.”

David Davidson, chief operating officer for South Eastern Railway, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Brandon Hatcher who tragically lost his life following a collision with one of our trains at Bax level crossing in July 2025.

“We accept the findings outlined in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report published today.

“We will study the recommendations closely and are committed to learning every possible lesson from this tragic incident.

“Since that date, we have already made changes to the layout of the site and we have published a toolkit with guidance on this type of crossing for professional road drivers.

“We will continue working with the industry and all our partners to help prevent accidents like this from happening again.”

A spokesperson for Amazon said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Brandon’s family and loved ones.

“We supported the Rail Accident Investigation Branch throughout its work and will consider its findings carefully.”