A stark warning has been issued about the dangers of trespassing onto rail lines after a woman was caught on camera trying to cross the track with a pram.
The incident occurred at Hilsea station in Portsmouth at around midday on August 29 and was captured by a train driver's onboard camera.
Footage shows the woman walking with a buggy to the end of the platform and down a ramp leading to the tracks in order to cross to the other side of the station.
But her decision nearly ended in tragedy as a South Western Railway service between Portsmouth Harbour and London Waterloo narrowly missed her as she stood next to the track.
Network Rail has warned that walking on rail tracks could be fatal, not only because of the risk of being hit by oncoming trains, but due to the risk of electrocution that the rails pose.
Mark Killick, route director at Network Rail Wessex, said: “The behaviour at Hilsea station is deeply concerning and shows that people are completely oblivious to the dangers they are putting themselves in.
“This incident could have easily ended in tragedy, and the lives of the woman’s family and that of the train driver could have changed forever.
“It is absolutely vital that no-one should ever attempt to either get close to or cross the track.”
Neil Gillies, head of drivers at South Western Railway, added: “Near misses like this one at Hilsea station can also seriously affect the train drivers who witness these incidents.
"We’re glad no-one was injured, but this woman had a very lucky escape.
“You may think walking across the tracks will save time, but it could cost your life.”
