Businessman Ho Sanderson killed on East Coast Main Line

Mar 10 2010 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

A WELL known Northumberland businessman has died after being hit by a train on a level crossing.

Ho Sanderson, a one time farmer, landowner and property developer, was killed after being hit by a train on the East Coast Main Line north of Widdrington Station, near Morpeth, on Monday evening.

Mr Sanderson, 60, who lived at Eshott, is believed to have been out on his bike when he was hit by an inter-city passenger service on the nearby Felton Lane crossing at around 5pm.

Last night, his family described the incident as “a tragic accident” and were said to be “deeply shocked” and trying to come to terms with what had happened.

Mr Sanderson’s death came almost a year to the day after he shot himself in the face at his then home in what the family also described as an accident.

In the past year, the businessman had seen several of his companies go into administration. He had also faced court proceedings over alleged breaches of planning conditions at a development near Bedlington.

Spokesman for the Sandersons, Hugh Fell said last night: “There has obviously been a tragic accident on the rail crossing.

“The family are deeply shocked by it. They are just trying to come to terms at the present time with what has happened.”

The incident was reported to the British Transport Police at 5.17pm, and officers were dispatched to the scene.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) was also informed but did not attend after it was established Mr Sanderson was dead. The railway was closed until just after 6.30pm.

British Transport Police is carrying out an investigation into how Mr Sanderson came to be on the track. A file will be passed to the coroner’s office at Berwick, which last night confirmed it had been notified of the death.

A Transport Police spokesperson said: “BTP can confirm that a 60-year-old man has died after being struck by a train at Felton Lane level crossing, in Morpeth, Northumberland, on Monday, March 8.