Amazon delivery driver 'almost certainly' entered level crossing due to green lights before being fatally hit by train, investigators say

An Amazon delivery driver who was killed by a train at a crossing 'almost certainly' thought it was safe because of green stop lights, investigators have said. Brandon Hatcher's van was stationary on a 'user worked' crossing near Teynham in Kent when it was struck by a passenger train travelling from Ramsgate to London Victoria at around 12.42pm on July 13 last year.The train had been travelling at around 71mph when it smashed into the vehicle – killing Mr Hatcher. An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the signage and a lack of markings on the road 'did not effectively guide the delivery driver to use the correct crossing procedure'. 'RAIB's investigation found that the van was stationary on the level crossing because the green light shown by the miniature stop light system when the delivery driver arrived almost certainly led them to believe that it was safe to enter the crossing once the entry gate had been opened, despite the exit gate still being closed,' investigators said. The report also found that Amazon had 'not prepared' the self-employed driver, who was working on behalf of the logistics company. The crossing has gates either side of the railway, along with a miniature stop light system which shows a green light if no trains are approaching.The light turns to red and an audible warning is sounded when a train is detected approaching the crossing.Instructions on signs at the crossing tell users to check the green light is showing before opening both gates, then crossing with a vehicle before closing both gates, the report said.The report found crossings with miniature stop lights were unlikely to receive further safety upgrades, relying instead on drivers following the signs. Brandon Hatcher's van was stationary on a 'user worked' crossing near Teynham in Kent when it was struck by a passenger trainThe RAIB said it had made four recommendations as a result of the report.Investigators also wrote to the Health and Safety Executive to review guidance for organisations employing people to drive or ride for work or using self-employed people to do so on the safe use of this type of crossing.Andrew Hall, chief inspector of rail accidents, said: 'In August 2026, another delivery van driver was killed at a user worked crossing in Lancashire.'These deaths are a tragedy, but as a train can be derailed by striking a delivery van, both accidents could also have had serious consequences for the people on board.'Private user worked crossings are a 19th century concept operating in a 21st century world of more dense, faster rail services, more rural housing and abundant home deliveries.'Most road users are unfamiliar with this type of crossing and with how to use them safely.'It is understood the victim had been delivering Amazon parcels when the incident happened.No one else was injured during the incident.Mr Hall added: 'A delivery van driver was also seriously injured in October 2017, at Frognal Farm user worked crossing in Kent.'It is time for a fresh approach to this problem, for the sake of crossing users, train passengers and railway staff, who are all at risk.'An Office of Rail and Road spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in these incidents.'User-worked level crossings present particular safety risks, especially when people may be unfamiliar with how to use them.'We expect Network Rail to assess and manage these risks effectively, taking account of changes in how crossings are used, and to consider closure or additional safety measures where appropriate.'We welcome RAIB's report and will carefully consider its findings and recommendations.'David Davidson, chief operating officer for South Eastern Railway, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Brandon Hatcher who tragically lost his life following a collision with one of our trains at Bax level crossing in July 2025.'We accept the findings outlined in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report published today.'We will study the recommendations closely and are committed to learning every possible lesson from this tragic incident.'Since that date, we have already made changes to the layout of the site and we have published a toolkit with guidance on this type of crossing for professional road drivers.'We will continue working with the industry and all our partners to help prevent accidents like this from happening again.'A spokesman for Amazon said: 'We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Brandon's family and loved ones.'We supported the Rail Accident Investigation Branch throughout its work and will consider its findings carefully.'The DfT has been contacted for comment.