A 57-year-old man from Dartford died after being hit by a train at Farningham Road station at around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon (June 25).

Southeastern closed the station, whilst emergency services dealt with the situation.

Trains were suspended between Swanley and Rochester following the incident in South Darenth, which involved the 1.07pm Dover Priory to Victoria train.

Rikard Osterlund, who was on the affected train, said: "I didn't see anything, just heard a metal dragging sound when the train hit the brakes.

"My first thought was a bike."

The train has been stuck at the station for an hour and a half.

He added: "On-train staff just confirmed there's been a fatality.

"We are awaiting another train to get power."

 

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “Our officers were called to Farningham Road rail station at 3.35pm on Thursday, 25 June, after a report of a person struck by a train.

“BTP officers attended alongside colleagues from Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

“A 57-year-old man, from Dartford, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is currently not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“The man’s family has been informed.”

A Southeastern spokesman said: "We are currently waiting for emergency services to deal with the incident until we can run services normally."

 

 

 

Passengers were advised to use Charing Cross or Cannon Street stations, instead of Victoria, if travelling from affected areas in Kent.

They were allowed to use the high speed services from St Pancras to Rochester and Faversham at no extra charge.

If you knew the man who died and would like to leave a tribute, email josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 01689 885702.