May 5, 2017 4.08 pm This story is over 82 months old

Network Rail warning after elderly person hit by Lincoln High Street train barriers

Network Rail has issued a warning to those passing through the Lincoln High Street level crossings after an elderly person was struck by one of the barriers and pinned to the ground. The incident is reported to have happened at around 11.50am on April 21, when a person, described as an elderly woman, was hit…
Lincoln High Street level crossing. Photo: The Lincolnite

Network Rail has issued a warning to those passing through the Lincoln High Street level crossings after an elderly person was struck by one of the barriers and pinned to the ground.

The incident is reported to have happened at around 11.50am on April 21, when a person, described as an elderly woman, was hit by the barrier as it was closing.

An eyewitness at the scene told The Lincolnite that warning lights and sirens had begun, however the pedestrian had not allowed enough time to cross safely.

They described how passers-by had stopped to pull the woman to safety: “I witnessed a pensioner being struck by one of the barriers at Lincoln High Street.

“She was half way across when the barriers came down striking her to the ground and trapping her between the tracks and the barriers.

“It was fortunate that some pedestrians moved the barriers and rescued her.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The safety of all railway users is our top priority.

“We are aware that a person was struck by a level crossing barrier as it closed to protect both pedestrians and road users from a train as it reached the crossing.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is that people do not enter the crossing area once the warning sounds have begun and that people use level crossings safely to ensure incidents like this do not happen.

“Anyone who does not wish to wait at the crossing can use the footbridge.”