A level crossing described as the site of 'dozens of near misses' has claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy, sparking urgent safety reviews and renewed calls for its permanent closure.
A Tragic Incident
Josh Travis, a talented former Nottingham Forest academy goalkeeper, was pronounced dead at the scene on the evening of Wednesday, 26 November. The incident occurred at the Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire. British Transport Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Emergency services were called to the crossing around 7pm following reports of a casualty on the tracks. It is believed Josh was with a group of friends when he was struck. A local resident described how he was "clipped and thrown into a ditch", causing fatal injuries.
A History of Danger and Delayed Action
Alarmingly, Network Rail had applied to Nottinghamshire County Council to close the crossing just 24 hours before the tragedy. A notice posted at the site, dated 25 November, cited the grounds of "public safety, due to misuse of the crossing and several near misses with trains".
This was not the first attempt to address the danger. The crossing, which sees around 70 high-speed trains daily on the Nottingham to Lincoln line, has been a repeated cause for concern. In 2021, it was temporarily closed after 16 near misses were recorded in the preceding two years. It reopened with new gates and a non-slip surface, but disturbing footage released in 2022 showed continued reckless behaviour, including people lying on the tracks and a couple conducting a photoshoot.
Mark Budden, Network Rail’s route director for the East Midlands, stated: "Safety is our top priority... The level crossing is a public right of way, and Network Rail does not have the legal powers to close it - that decision rests with the local highways authority." Following Josh's death, the council agreed to an emergency 21-day closure.
Near Misses and a Celebrity Close Call
Locals have long claimed the crossing is an accident waiting to happen. Their fears were starkly illustrated in 2018 when actor Mathew Horne, star of Gavin & Stacey, was 'clipped' by a train at the same spot. He was sent flying backwards, suffering a knocked elbow, in what was described as a 'miraculous' escape.
David Smith, a local resident, told the Mail: "This is a grown adult, who is a professional actor and not stupid! It just shows that accidents can happen to anyone... This wasn't a 14 year old's fault. The junction needs looking at and changing urgently."
The crossing lacks warning lights or alarms, requiring pedestrians to manually check if it is safe to cross via two sets of gates. Signs instruct users to 'Stop, Look and Listen'.
Investigation and Tributes
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is conducting an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson said a decision on further action would be taken once evidence is reviewed.
The community has been left devastated. Nottingham Forest held a minute's silence for their former academy player. Hundreds of floral tributes, football-shaped balloons, goalkeeper gloves, and Liverpool FC shirts have been left near the now-fenced-off crossing.
In a heartfelt tribute released via police, Josh's family said: "Josh was a lad with an incredible energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give. He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill."
