A report into a fatal accident when a man died after putting his head out a train window has found adequate preventive measures were not in place.

Simon Brown, 24, of East Grinstead, died after putting his head out the window of a Gatwick Express train on August 7, 2016. He suffered fatal head injuries when he struck a signal gantry near Wandsworth Common station, Balham.

Mr Brown, for reasons unknown, stuck his head out the window of a door only meant to be used by train personnel. Known to be a train enthusiast, he was travelling between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria when he sustained the fatal injuries.

Each passenger door has a window that can be opened, but only with a key and only to a limited extent. However, the window on the guard’s door can be opened enough for staff to look out of when the train is stopped.

The report states: “There was nothing to prevent passengers from opening the window or putting their head out of the opened window.”

There was a small yellow warning sticker which read: “Emergency ventilation. Do no lean out of window when train is moving.”

Wandsworth Times:

The report, released by Rail Accident Investigation, also found “no evidence” as to why Mr Brown put his head out the window. There was a fault with the CCTV on the train so no footage could be observed.

A post mortem examination found no alcohol or drugs in his system and evidence suggested he was not taking a photograph.

Along with inadequate security measures to prevent a passenger from leaning out the window, when the ambulance was called, a fault in the configuration of telephone lines meant the incident was reported to the non-emergency line 101.

The response time was 17 minutes.

Since Mr Brown died, yellow tape was put on guard’s doors to warn other passengers.

Wandsworth Times:

Network Rail has also fixed the fault with the emergency and non-emergency lines.