A report into a fatal level crossing collision has found that barriers remained raised and an audible alarm did not activate as a train approached, leading to the deaths of a mother and injuring her daughter. Kerry Coombes, 33, was killed and an eight-year-old girl was critically injured in the incident in Hoghton, Lancashire.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) confirmed that the crossing is equipped with road traffic lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians, both designed to activate automatically as trains approach. Half-barriers are also programmed to lower to block the road.
However, as the 7:51 a.m. Northern passenger service from Colne to Preston reached the crossing at approximately 8:50 a.m., neither the traffic lights nor the alarm were activated, and the barriers were found to be raised. The train had passed a green signal as it approached.
The investigation is ongoing and will examine the sequence of events leading up to the crash, as well as the actions of those involved.
Following the collision, British Transport Police arrested two railway staff members on suspicion of endangering railway safety. They were later de-arrested after their details were confirmed and are assisting with the ongoing police inquiries.
Ms. Coombes, a social worker, was described by her family as a "loving daughter, sister, partner and devoted mum" with a "biggest heart" who "always put other people before herself." Lancashire County Council stated she was a "highly respected and dedicated" professional who "cared deeply about the children she supported."
Emergency services, including fire and ambulance crews, attended the scene. A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that while a child sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, no passengers on the train required treatment.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell stated that a criminal investigation has been launched and appealed to the public not to speculate as further updates would be provided.