Sam Dudley was out for a run in Formby, Merseyside, on August 24 last year when he was hit by a train at a level crossing, with an inquest finding he likely did not hear the warning klaxon due to loud music
A man tragically lost his life after being struck by an oncoming train whilst out jogging, an inquest was told. Sam Dudley had been running in Formby on the morning of August 24 last year.
The 29-year-old had been listening to music through headphones when he was struck by a train at 11.07am at a level crossing in Formby, known locally as Hoggs Hill level crossing. Prior to reaching the railway line, there is clear signage and a traffic light system which displays red or green depending on whether a train is coming.
When a train nears the crossing, the light flashes red and an alarm sounds. As Sam jogged onto the tracks, the warning light had been flashing and the klaxon had been sounding, with CCTV footage showing Sam running onto the track before appearing instantly startled upon spotting the train.
When Sam’s mobile phone was retrieved, it had been displaying an alert that his music volume was too high.
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According to a prevention of future death report published on February 10 following Sam’s inquest conclusion on February 3, Sam can be seen trying to leap backwards but it was too late, reports the Liverpool Echo.
An investigation found Sam had accessed the track via the level crossing using the pedestrian gate whilst the red light and klaxon were active. Beyond the gate there is additional signage alerting to approaching trains.
Senior coroner Anita Bhardwaj states in the report the “crossing was safe, compliant, and operating as designed” and there “were no causal or contributory failings identified in the inspection, maintenance, or management of the crossing”.
Ms Bhardwaj stated: “It is more likely than not that Sam did not hear the klaxon because he was running whilst listening to loud music through his headphones.
“In all the circumstances it is more likely than not Sam was distracted, not fully attentive and proceeded onto the track.”
Nevertheless, the senior coroner for Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley identified areas of concern during her inquiry.
In her findings, she noted: “Nationally there is signage once individuals pass through the gate, but there is limited signage on the gate itself as people enter the walkway, only a short distance from the ‘decision point’.
“Increasingly, more people wear earphones and are therefore less aware of their surroundings. Introducing clear pictorial signage on the gate, before individuals enter the ‘decision point’ area, such as an image of earphones with a line through them, may help alert users at the right moment.
“Visual cues generally attract initial attention more effectively and support rapid comprehension, while sound cues tend to create a stronger emotional connection.
“However, using both visual and auditory cues may together provide a more effective form of communication.”
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