Teenagers playing chicken and doing handstands by train tracks force a busy level crossing to close

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026 · last updated 13 October 2026.

A level crossing in Upminster has been shut after children were caught playing chicken with trains and performing handstands beside the tracks. Network Rail condemned the 'dangerous misuse' and is calling on parents and teachers to reinforce the safety message before someone is killed.

Network Rail urged parents and schools to stress the 'vital safety message' around playing near railway lines.

The closure disrupts a busy crossing as authorities warn the behaviour puts young lives at immediate risk.