Fatal accident at Bottesford footpath crossing

Investigation into a fatal accident involving a young person at Bottesford footpath crossing, Leicestershire, 25 January 2026.

At around 12:00 on 25 January 2026, a young person was struck by a train and fatally injured while crossing the railway at Bottesford footpath crossing in Leicestershire.

Bottesford footpath crossing provides access for pedestrians between two residential areas of Bottesford. The crossing is located next to Bottesford station. The crossing has gates on either side of the railway and is provided with signage which instructs users how to cross.

Our investigation will determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and will include consideration of:

• the factors which may have affected the decisions and actions of those involved
• any previous incidents at Bottesford footpath crossing and how these may be relevant to this accident
• the management of risk at this crossing and Network Rail’s wider strategy for assessing and mitigating risks at footpath crossings
• any relevant underlying factors.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

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https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fatal-accident-at-bottesford-footpath-crossing