AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a man struck by a freight train at Newton Abbot station. 

The hearing at Plymouth Coroner’s Court heard Stephen Rogers, who was living in Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, had asked a taxi driver to change direction while taking him home. 

London-born Mr Rogers, 43, who was described as single and unemployed due to sickness, died on May 3. 

Coroner Louise Wiltshire confirmed that Mr Rogers was confirmed deceased at 5.23pm on the day and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding his death were read out during the public hearing. 

An opening statement released following the hearing stated that: ‘Stephen was in a taxi on his way home when he requested the driver take him to Newton Abbot train station.

‘On arrival there he jumped in front of an oncoming freight train and sadly passed away.

Ms Wiltshire noted there were no suspicious circumstances and a post mortem had been conducted. 

She reported that on the evidence presented, the medical cause of death had been ascertained as multiple injuries.

The hearing was adjourned and a full inquest will take place at a later date.