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An Amazon delivery driver who died when his van was hit by a train at a level crossing in Teynham, near Sittingbourne, has been described as a “hardworking father” who was taking on an extra shift to support his young child.
The 23-year-old man, who has not yet been formally named, was tragically killed at Lower Road level crossing shortly after 12:45pm on Sunday, according to British Transport Police.
Despite a swift response from emergency services — including police, fire, air ambulance, and hazardous response teams — the driver was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
‘Always Helping Others’
Speaking to UKNIP, one of the driver’s close friends, who asked not to be named, said the young man was from the local area and a devoted dad to a yound child.
“He was doing an extra shift on Sunday just to help out and earn more for his family,” they said.
“He was one of the nicest blokes I’ve ever known — always first to help you if you were struggling on your round. The whole depot is absolutely cut up about it.”
Van Reportedly Struck After Driver Got Out
Witnesses say the driver had stopped on the line and was getting back into the vehicle after closing the crossing gate when the train struck.
Dramatic footage posted to social media showed a large fireball and thick black smoke rising from the scene, which is surrounded by farmland and wooded areas.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched a formal inquiry into the circumstances of the crash.
No Other Injuries Reported
All passengers on the train were safely evacuated and no other injuries have been reported. Train services were suspended between Gillingham and Faversham and replacement buses were brought in while engineers assessed the damage to the line.
Southeastern Railway’s Chief Operating Officer, David Davidson, confirmed the death and expressed condolences:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the tragic death of the road vehicle driver. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Amazon Statement
A spokesperson for Amazon UK also issued a statement:
“This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s family and loved ones. We will work with the police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.”
Investigation Ongoing
British Transport Police and the RAIB continue to investigate the cause of the collision. Officers remain on site as part of a joint effort to determine what led to the van entering the crossing.
If you witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage in the area at the time, you are asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting incident 240 of 13 July.
