Girl, 14, dies after being hit by train in Walsall

The girl was struck by a train at Wallows Lane foot crossing near Bescot Stadium Station on Tuesday afternoon and Network Rail has confirmed the crossing will be closed for at least 21 days while investigations into the tragedy are carried out.

It is thought the girl was crossing the tracks after a freight train had gone by, but was struck by another train coming in the opposite direction.

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) attended the scene alongside paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained, with BTP trying to establish what exactly happened in the moments before her death.

People who live and work nearby have spoken of their shock at the news.

Father-of-two Terry Wootton, maintenance manager at Greetings House, which backs onto the tracks, told how a young boy came running down the pathway to the level crossing screaming for help.

Mr Wootton, aged 62, told the Express & Star: "I was walking across the yard at about 3.25pm when a young lad, probably 12 to 14, came running up here shouting me, shouting 'mister, mister, can you help me, my friend's been hit by a train'. I said 'you're not joking me are you, it's not a prank?' and he said 'honest, please'.

"I immediately rang 999, I was talking to the ambulance call centre as I was running down the alley. I got to the level crossing and the first thing I saw was paperwork strewn down the track. The train had stopped about a quarter of a mile down the track."

Dominic Kelly, 27, was at work at Barhale Trading Solutions nearby.

He said: "I saw the police here and on the tracks. A helicopter landed over the back. It was on the railway track so I kind of knew straight away. I asked a policeman if it was a fatality and he said yes and asked us to move. It's not very nice, especially when I found out it was just a schoolgirl. I've got kids myself."

A woman who lives nearby on Wallows Lane, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a commotion, trains screeching and then a helicopter landing. There were sirens everywhere, it was quite dramatic. There was police up here and a private ambulance.

"It's devastating for any family to go through. You don't expect to send your kids to school and them not to come home."

Nick Adams, 42, of Wallows Lane, added: "It's terrible what happened, shocking. I used to go over there myself. These are the dangers with trains."

Keith White, 51, owner of Central Fabrications, said: "I did see the police and paramedics and the helicopter overhead. My initial reaction was there had been an industrial accident. It's just tragic."

Priti Patel, head of safety for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: “Our heartfelt sympathies go to the family and friends of the 14-year-old girl who died after being struck by a train at Wallow’s Lane level crossing on Tuesday, in what British Transport Police believe to have been a tragic accident.”

DCI Paul Langley, from BTP, said: "First and foremost our thoughts are with the girl's family as they begins to process this awful news. We have specially trained family liaison officers deployed to the family who are supporting them at this stage.

"Although we are in the early stages of our inquiry, at this stage his incident appears to be a very tragic accident.

"What we know so far is that the young girl was crossing the tracks after a freight train went by. Very sadly, it seems another train was approaching from the opposite direction and struck her.

"Our inquiries continue to ensure we fully understand what happened. Therefore, if you were in the area at the time and saw what happened, please contact BTP as soon as possible. Your information might prove vital in our inquiries."

Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch with BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040 and quoting reference 300 of August 26.

The footpath crossing has today been closed after yesterday's tragic incident.

Wood Green Academy, on Wood Green Road, Wednesbury, today released a statement saying one of its pupils was killed last night.

The statement reads: "It is with great sadness that we confirm that one of our students was tragically killed last night. All of our heartfelt sympathies go out to their family and friends. Our immediate concern is to support our students and staff through this incredibly difficult time.

"The planned open evening for tonight has been cancelled as a mark of respect and to give us all some time to grieve. It will now take place on Wednesday 4th October.

"Once again, I am sure you will join with us in offering our thoughts to the student’s family and friends."