Rail death witnesses interviewed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/south_east/6309925.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Police officers are to interview school children who may have witnessed the death of a 15-year-old boy at Treorchy train station in the Rhondda.

One eyewitness has told how James Gibbs, 15, was leaning out from the platform and was spitting on the track when he was struck by a train.

He died in hospital after surgery for head injuries after the incident on Thursday afternoon.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

James was hit by the Treherbert to Cardiff train at 1550 GMT on Thursday as it approached Treorchy station.

He leaned out from the platform to spit on the track and was hit in the head Witness Andrew Grady

Passengers waiting on the platform described seeing the teenager lean out in front of the oncoming train, which has about 60 children on board.

He was taken first to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital at Llantrisant but later transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. He underwent surgery but later died.

Up to 60 passengers, mostly children, were on board the train at the time of the accident, which was also witnessed by passengers.

One eyewitness, Andrew Grady, said the schoolboy had been leaning out over the rails.

He said: "It was about 3.50pm and he leaned out from the platform to spit on the track and was hit in the head."

'Not suspicious'

A spokesman for British Transport Police said schoolchildren who may have witnessed the accident would be spoken to this week.

He said: "The circumstances of the death are being investigated by British Transport Police but are not being treated as suspicious.

"Specially trained police officers will be interviewing schoolchildren who witnessed the incident next week.

"A family liaison officer from British Transport Police will be supporting the family."

He added: "Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult and sad time."

Arriva Trains Wales' commercial director, Mike Bagshaw, offered the company's condolences to the family of James Gibbs.

He added: "Our thoughts are also with those who witnessed this traumatic incident.

"Events like this are always difficult for the driver involved and Arriva Trains Wales will ensure he receives the full counselling and support we provide in such cases."

Anyone with information about the accident can contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040.