The death of an Amazon delivery driver at a level crossing in Kent could have been avoided with better signage and crossing design, a rail accident investigation has said.
Brandon Hatcher, 23, was killed at the scene when the van he was driving was struck at a level crossing on Lower Road, in Teynham, on 13 July 2025.
The train was travelling from Ramsgate to London Victoria at about 70mph (114km/h).
Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigators said the driver was likely to have been misled by a green light into believing it was safe to enter the crossing before the exit gate had been opened.
The RAIB said the crossing's signs and lack of road markings did not effectively guide users through the correct procedure.
The user-operated crossing has gates and a miniature stop-light system which displays a green light when no trains are approaching and a red light with an audible warning when one is detected.
Users are instructed to check for a green light before opening the gates, crossing and closing them.
The report found crossings with miniature stop lights were unlikely to receive further safety upgrades, relying instead on drivers following the signs.
Crossing users 'unfamiliar'
David Davidson, chief operating officer for South Eastern Railway said: "We accept the findings outlined in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report published on Monday.
"We will study the recommendations closely and are committed to learning every possible lesson from this tragic incident."
Davidson said the company had since changed the site's layout and published guidance for professional drivers using this type of crossing.
Investigators said training and guidance given to the self-employed driver had not adequately prepared them to use the crossing safely.
RAIB chief inspector Andrew Hall said private user-operated crossings were "a 19th Century concept operating in a 21st Century world".
"Most road users are unfamiliar with this type of crossing and with how to use them safely," he said.
Hall noted another delivery van driver was killed at a user-operated crossing in Lancashire in August.
The RAIB made several recommendations, including calls for Network Rail to review the design of user-operated crossings and for the Health and Safety Executive to review guidance for organisations employing drivers.
The DfT, Office of Rail and Road and Amazon have been approached for comment.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.