Investigation into a fatal accident at Mexico footpath crossing, near Penzance, Cornwall, 3 October 2011

At approximately 15:50 hrs on Monday 3 October 2011, a pedestrian was struck and killed on Mexico footpath crossing, near Penzance, by train 2C47, the 13:53 hrs service from Plymouth to Penzance; formed by a two-car Class 150 diesel multiple unit. 

The accident happened when the pedestrian was crossing from the south (beach) side of the crossing towards Long Rock village.  To reach the crossing pedestrians must first pass through a simple pedestrian gate.  There are no warning lights or audible alarms to alert users of approaching trains.  However, for trains heading towards Penzance, a sign has been provided 348 metres (381 yards) before the crossing to instruct train drivers to sound their horns to warn pedestrians of the approach of a train before it comes into view.  The driver of train 2C47 had sounded the horn when in proximity to this sign.

As the train approached the crossing, it was travelling at a speed of about 48 mph (77 km/h), slightly below the maximum permitted speed at this location.  Soon after becoming aware of the presence of the pedestrian, the driver sounded the train horn again and applied the brakes.  However, there was insufficient time to avoid the accident.

The RAIB will publish a report or a bulletin to present the findings of this investigation.  This will be available on the RAIB website.

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