Following a tragic incident in Burton Joyce, a rail probe has been initiated after a young boy lost his life when he was struck by a train.
Details of the Incident
Josh’s death has raised significant safety concerns regarding the Chestnut Grove crossing. This crossing provided essential access for pedestrians from the village to footpaths leading to the River Trent. On either side of the crossing, gates were installed to manage pedestrian access.
Safety Measures Under Consideration
Just days before the incident, a consultation process had begun regarding the potential permanent closure of this footpath level crossing. Network Rail had filed an application to Nottinghamshire County Council in March, citing safety concerns as the primary reason.
A document included in this application highlighted that Network Rail had made numerous requests to the council. These requests were aimed at temporarily halting public access to the crossing to prevent accidents while exploring long-term safety solutions.
Reported Incidents
Network Rail cautioned that the crossing was linked to a “very real risk of serious incident.” Since 2020, there have been 19 near-misses reported at the location until March of this year.
Immediate Responses
Following Josh’s tragic death, an emergency closure of the crossing was agreed upon between Network Rail and Nottinghamshire County Council. This closure was initially set for 21 days, starting the day after the incident. It has since been extended.
Future Closure Plans
- A temporary traffic regulation order for the footpath will start on Thursday.
- This order will remain in effect until May 26, 2026.
Community Response
In the wake of this tragedy, Josh’s family shared heartfelt memories, describing him as “a lad with an incredible energy for life” and highlighting his infectious smile and kind spirit.
In remembrance, numerous tributes have been placed at the gates of the level crossing, demonstrating the community’s grief. Additionally, Nottingham Forest, where Josh once played as an academy member, held a minute of silence in his honor during a Premier League match against Brighton.
