The investigation into the death of an 85-year-old woman struck by a train travelling at more than 60mph has been reopened after fresh evidence has been uncovered.

The woman, from Hampton in south-west London, was killed on 21 April 2022, as she was crossing the Lady Howard footpath and bridleway between Epsom and Ashtead.

The investigation at the time found the crossing had "unacceptable" risks and that there was "little evidence" Network Rail had considered other safety options while waiting for miniature stop lights to be installed.

Today, Tuesday August 15, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has said it will revisit the matter after new evidence was made available.

The chief inspector of rail accidents has concluded it may be significant and that RAIB's investigation, to prevent future accidents and improve railway safety, should therefore be reopened.

RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

Map showing direction of train travel at Lady Howard, Ashtead, crossing (Photo: Rail Accident Investigation Branches)

The woman was walking her dog and pushing a wheeled trolley bag when she was fatally injured at about 2.49pm after being hit by an out-of-service passenger train in Surrey.

She was at the junction and she began to cross the tracks after a train passed, RAIB said. She was hit by a second train travelling in the opposite direction which had been obscured by the first.

The driver sounded the train's horn when they saw her crossing and she hurried towards the exit but was unable to get clear and was killed.

British Transport Police said it was not treating the incident as suspicious.

The crossing provides access to Ashtead Common and is protected by gates. It also has signage instructing users how to cross with pedestrians directed to stop, look and listen for trains before crossing the railway.

RAIB said the reopened investigation is independent of any investigation by the rail industry or by the industry's regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

Any revised findings will be published, including any new or revised recommendations to improve safety.

In its initial report, published in February 2023, RAIB recommended Network Rail addressed  the risk to pedestrians when a second train is oncoming at these sorts of crossings.

It  also suggested  "appropriate" action be taken at crossings waiting for longer-term solutions.

Previous concerns had been raised  following a near miss at the  Green Lane crossing in 2019.

The report acknowledged that Network Rail had taken action in the aftermath of the incident including a presentation to residents on level crossing safety,  posters warning people of obstructed views from trains. It said also hoped  to install miniature stop lights in February 2024.