Shock over couple risking tot’s life at rail crossing
THESE are the moments a couple put a toddler’s life at risk by taking the child across rail lines as a train approaches.
The pair’s “mind-blowing” recklessness was caught on CCTV.
It shows one climb a 6ft locked gate at Seamer station, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The other then passes over the tot before also scaling the gate.
They run across the tracks in front of a train as it pulls into the station.
Trapped in the level crossing, the couple, who appear to be late for the train, repeat the climbing stunt on the opposite 6ft gate before running up to the platform – to miss the train anyway.
The stupidity, at 6.30pm on New Year’s Eve, happened three weeks after Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) warned about staying safe at level crossings after a man pushing a bicycle was almost killed by a train at Ducketts level crossing in Pudsey, between Leeds and Bradford. Network Rail level crossing manager Robert Havercroft said: “The incident at Ducketts demonstrated how important it is to pay attention at level crossings.
“The incident at Seamer shows reckless disregard for a level crossing system which is designed to keep people safe.
“In making the mind-blowing decision to climb over two sets of high, locked gates, these adults put their lives and the child’s life in extreme danger.”
Mike Drewery, of TransPennine Express, which manages Seamer station, added: “The footage is incredibly worrying and could have led to much more serious consequences, not only for the three people directly involved but for all those on board the train.”
Inspector Richard Price of BTP said: “Unbelievably, some people are still willing to risk their lives and, in this case, the life of a young child.”