Woman hit by train as she crosses tracks

Jul 2 2009 By Steve Bax

A 72-year-old woman is in hospital with life threatening injuries after being struck by a train as she crossed the tracks with a seven-year-old relative.

The pensioner, who has not been named by police, was filmed on CCTV crossing the tracks at Hampton Wick Station at 11.50pm last night, when she was struck by an empty stock train.

Police said the woman is from Shepperton, and appeared to be trying to cross the lines to get to another platform.

She is being treated for serious leg injuries at St George's Hospital in Tooting, but miraculously her great granddaughter, who crossed with her, suffered no injuries.

Duty inspector Ian Hampton, of British Transport Police, said: “The driver of the 2341 Shepperton to Wimbledown Park empty stock train reported striking two persons at the station. A female in her 70s was found on the track with serious injuries.

“Her condition is currently described as life threatening. The seven-year-old girl, who is believed to be the great granddaughter of the person, miraculously did not appear to suffer any injury.

“From eye witness accounts and CCTV evidence both persons were seen crossing over the tracks when they were struck by the train.”

British Transport Police, who are investigating alongside the MET, are treating the matter as non-suspicious.

A spokesman confirmed that paramedics from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service and London Ambulance Service attended the scene, as did the London Fire Brigade.

He added that family members have been informed of the incident, and appealed for anyone with information to contact police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 1/02/07/09.