A man comes within a split second from being hit by a train in shocking video footage released by rail bosses.
CCTV from the Avanti West Coast train, on the West Coast main line, shows the near miss at a footpath level crossing near Runcorn. Footage of the worrying incident has been released by Network Rail to serve as a warning to others.
The footpath crossing displays a red warning light when it is unsafe to cross, which rail bosses say the man ignored. He was then within feet of the high-speed train which was travelling from London Euston to Glasgow, causing the service to come to an emergency stop.
READ MORE: Met Office issue yellow UK weather warning for snow and ice
The maximum speed for trains on this section of line is 125mph. The incident, at around 10.45am on January 18, has been described by senior railway staff as one of the closest near misses they’ve seen.
Lucy Jordan, Network Rail’s North West head of safety, said: "When I see footage like this it always make my heart stop. The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for this man and I can’t downplay the danger he was in.
"It’s important for Network Rail to share this video as a strong warning to others and to remind them of our level crossing rules. No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the signage in place and if there are warning lights, always stop when they display red, it just isn’t worth the risk."
Dave Whitehouse, Avanti West Coast safety and security director, said: "This footage serves as a stark reminder to be aware of your surroundings near the railways whether it’s at a level crossing or at a station. Although the man involved escaped serious injury, this shows it’s only takes a split second to make the wrong decision for it to end in tragedy."
READ NEXT: Mum leaves behind five children after dying in fall down stairs
Family 'mortified' after being thrown out of Liverpool Empire's Mother Goose panto
Teen told mum 'don't worry' minutes before he was killed in hit-and-run
Man so ill he can't even cut his own food told he's fit for work
11 characters that were once a familiar sight on Merseyside streets
