STORY
A pedestrian sustained serious injuries after being struck by a Tyne & Wear Metro service at the Blue House Lane footpath crossing on April 18 2025, according to a preliminary examination by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 AM, involved a train travelling from Newcastle to South Hylton. The train driver spotted a dog walker and another pedestrian on the crossing and immediately engaged the emergency brake and sounded the warning horn. Despite these actions, the second pedestrian was hit. The train was moving at an approximate speed of 29 km/h (18 mph) at the time of the collision and came to a stop about 20 metres beyond the crossing.
The RAIB was notified shortly after the accident and conducted a preliminary examination, gathering evidence from the railway industry. While the RAIB has concluded that further investigation is unlikely to yield new recommendations for improving railway safety, it noted striking similarities between this incident and a previous accident at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing in April 2022.
A key concern at both locations is the risk that passing trains might obscure the approach of a second train, making users unaware of its presence. Following the Lady Howard accident, a recommendation was made to reduce this risk. In response, Network Rail implemented an interim solution of fitting signs at all level crossings with two or more lines. These signs warn users that “oncoming trains can be hidden by other trains” and advise them “not to cross until all lines are clear.” The RAIB’s preliminary examination confirmed that such signage was in place at the Blue House Lane footpath crossing.
Network Rail’s long-term goal is to install miniature stop lights where they effectively manage risk. However, the RAIB expressed ongoing concern about the underlying risk this recommendation sought to address. The RAIB has formally written to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to highlight the Blue House Lane accident as the ORR considers the railway industry’s current and future management of this known hazard, specifically regarding its response to the Lady Howard report recommendation. Copies of this letter have also been sent to Network Rail, Nexus and the Rail Safety and Standards Board.