Scooter rider dies on notorious rail crossing in Berkshire

A scooter rider died today at the same rail level crossing where seven people lost their lives in an incident in 2004.

In today's incident, shortly after 1pm, the scooter was struck by the 12.18pm First Great Western (FGW) London to Taunton train near Ufton Nervet in Berkshire.

Network Rail (NR) said emergency services attended and that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch had been notified.

NR added that British Transport Police was not treating the death as suspicious and that early investigations appeared to show that the level crossing equipment was in working order.

Train services were diverted via Melksham and Swindon. It was hoped to have the line reopened later.

On 6 November 2004 chef Brian Drysdale drove his vehicle on to the crossing near Ufton Nervet and was struck by a FGW train travelling from London to Plymouth.

He was killed and the train derailed, with its driver and five passengers also losing their lives.

PA