THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation into the fatal accident at Alice Holt level crossing on October 5 which resulted in the death of an 83-year old Bentley man.

The incident happened at around 4.20pm when Derek Thomas was riding his mobility scooter across the pedestrian crossing on the Farnham side of Bentley Station. It is thought he was making his way home, having walked his dog in the forest, when he was struck and fatally injured by a through train travelling from Alton to Waterloo.

The footpath crossing, over two railway tracks, links the village of Bentley with the countryside to the south. It is on a section of The Shipwrights Way - a long distance route described as suitable for walkers, cyclists and mobility vehicles.

According to RAIB, the investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident and consider any factors which may have influenced the actions of the mobility scooter user. It will also consider whether the design and/or management of the crossing were factors in the accident.

The RAIB investigation will be independent of any investigation by the railway industry, the Office of Rail and Road, or the British Transport Police.

The findings, including any safety recommendations, will be published at the conclusion of the investigation and will be available on the RAIB website at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/rail-accident-investigation-branch