An Amazon delivery driver has died in a crash involving a train and their van at a level crossing.

The train struck the vehicle at the crossing in Lower Road, Teynham, at about 12:45 BST, Kent Police said.

Police, ambulance and the fire service attended but the driver died at the scene.

Southeastern, which operates trains in the area, said it was "deeply saddened" and its thoughts were with the person's family "at this incredibly difficult time".

An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement: "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

"We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate."

The crash has caused major disruption to rail services in Kent, with the line, between Gillingham and Faversham, blocked for much of the day.

A replacement bus service is in operation.

David Davidson, chief operating officer at Southeastern, said no-one else had been injured.

Passengers from the train involved were transferred onto another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel, he said.

Mr Davidson added: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died.

"Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

Steve White, Southeastern managing director, said the company was "fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened".

Southeastern Railway said disruption was expected until the end of the day.

Services running between Gillingham and Faversham reopened shortly after 20:30.

Mr White said the company was expecting to run a full service on Monday.

Amazon driver's death 'could have been avoided'


Brandon Hatcher, 23, died at the scene in Teynham - Image © Family Handout/British Transport Police

The death of an Amazon delivery driver at a level crossing in Kent could have been avoided with better signage and crossing design, a rail accident investigation has said.

Brandon Hatcher, 23, was killed at the scene when the van he was driving was struck at a level crossing on Lower Road, in Teynham, on 13 July 2025.

The train was travelling from Ramsgate to London Victoria at about 70mph (114km/h).

Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigators said the driver was likely to have been misled by a green light into believing it was safe to enter the crossing before the exit gate had been opened.

The RAIB said the crossing's signs and lack of road markings did not effectively guide users through the correct procedure.

The user-operated crossing has gates and a miniature stop-light system which displays a green light when no trains are approaching and a red light with an audible warning when one is detected.

Users are instructed to check for a green light before opening the gates, crossing and closing them.

The report found crossings with miniature stop lights were unlikely to receive further safety upgrades, relying instead on drivers following the signs.

David Davidson, chief operating officer for South Eastern Railway said: "We accept the findings outlined in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report published on Monday.  We will study the recommendations closely and are committed to learning every possible lesson from this tragic incident."

Davidson said the company had since changed the site's layout and published guidance for professional drivers using this type of crossing.

A spokesperson for Amazon said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Brandon's family and loved ones.  We supported the Rail Accident Investigation Branch throughout its work and will consider its findings carefully."

Investigators said training and guidance provided to the delivery driver, who was working on behalf of a logistics company, GG Logistix, had not prepared him to use the crossing safely.  GG Logistix has been approached for comment.

RAIB chief inspector Andrew Hall said private user-operated crossings were "a 19th Century concept operating in a 21st Century world".

"Most road users are unfamiliar with this type of crossing and with how to use them safely," he said.  Hall noted another delivery van driver was killed at a user-operated crossing in Lancashire in August.

The RAIB made several recommendations, including calls for Network Rail to review the design of user-operated crossings and for the Health and Safety Executive to review guidance for organisations employing drivers.

An Office of Rail and Road spokesperson said: "User-worked level crossings present particular safety risks, especially when people may be unfamiliar with how to use them.  We expect Network Rail to manage these risks, introducing safety measures or closures where needed."

They added they welcomed the RAIB's report and would "carefully consider" its findings and recommendations.  "We will continue working with Network Rail and others to improve safety for crossing users and passengers," they added.

A DfT spokesperson said: "Safety on the railway is our number one priority.  We are studying the RAIB report in detail and will work with the industry to take forward any recommendations to ensure it is safe for everyone."