Up Next

CCTV footage has captured the heart-stopping moment a toddler walks across a railway crossing as a train approaches.

A woman with a buggy then catches up with the child, before noticing the train and hurrying them off the tracks.

The train driver had thankfully seen the toddler and slowed down before reaching the crossing about 20 to 30 seconds later.

The incident happened at around 10.20am on August 1 in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, North Wales, where trains can travel up to 75mph.

Network Rail, which released the footage, said four near-misses were reported at the same crossing over the past two years – and a further 15 incidents of misuse.

There are signs at the crossing warning users to stop, look, and listen for approaching trains, said the rail company.

Network Rail’s level crossing manager for the area has also attended Prestatyn High School with the British Transport Police to educate schoolchildren who regularly use the crossing.

The toddler walks onto the train tracks alone
The toddler walks onto the train tracks alone (Picture: Wales news service)
A woman with a buggy and a toddler cross a railway crossing
A woman with a buggy catches up shortly after (Picture: Wales news service)

A Network Rail spokesperson said: ‘This shocking footage, taken from one of our CCTV cameras at Sandy Lane level crossing in Prestatyn earlier this month, underlines the importance of taking care and staying alert when using a crossing.

‘We would like to remind all level crossing users to stop, look and listen, pay attention to all signage, check both ways before crossing and never cross if a train is coming.

‘Always cross quickly and safely and do not stop when on the crossing.

‘In the video clip, the alertness of the train driver prevented a potentially serious incident, and we must stress how dangerous level crossings can be if not used appropriately.’

The train, which was forced to slow down, passes over the crossing around 20-30 seconds later
The train, which was forced to slow down, passes over the crossing around 20-30 seconds later (Picture: Wales news service)

Last year CCTV footage was shared of two young women climb over a barrier, before one of them narrowly misses being hit by a train passing through the station at high speed.

Meanwhile, this year, a series of videos were released to show pedestrians, a cyclist and several drivers decide to drive through through level crossings despite the barrier coming down.

In one of the videos, a woman gets crushed under a barrier.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE : No night Tube to major London station as Piccadilly line closure starts

MORE : I stopped feeling safe in London when a random man threatened to shoot me

MORE : Congestion hits major motorway after car fire