Investigation Launched After Safety Systems Failed at Fatal Lancashire Level Crossing

Preliminary findings reveal warning lights, audible alarms and barriers were not operating when a passenger train struck a car at Hoghton level crossing, prompting a full Rail Accident Investigation Branch inquiry.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched a detailed investigation into the fatal collision at Hoghton level crossing in Lancashire after initial evidence indicated the crossing's warning systems were not activated when a train approached.

The collision occurred on the morning of 25 June, when the 07:51 Northern service from Colne to Preston struck a car crossing the railway near Hoghton, between Blackburn and Preston.

The driver, 33-year-old Kerry Coombes, died at the scene, while an eight-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries. No passengers or crew aboard the train were injured.

Safety equipment inactive

According to RAIB's preliminary findings, the train had been signalled to proceed and had passed a green signal before reaching the crossing. However, investigators found no evidence that the crossing's automated safety systems had been triggered.

Hoghton level crossing is equipped with half-barriers, flashing road traffic lights and an audible warning system designed to activate automatically whenever a train approaches.

RAIB said its initial examination found that the warning lights and audible alarm had not been activated and the half-barriers remained in the raised position when the train arrived at the crossing.

The investigation will now examine the sequence of events leading up to the collision, the performance of the crossing equipment, the actions of those involved, the management of safety risks at the site and whether any wider organisational or technical factors contributed to the incident.

Network Rail cooperating

Responding to the preliminary findings, Chris Wright, Network Rail's North West Route Director, said:

"We are deeply sorry that this happened on our railway infrastructure, and for the devastating impact it has had on Kerry Coombes' family and loved ones. Our thoughts remain with them, and with her daughter, who remains in hospital.

"The initial findings published by RAIB today are an important step in helping us understand what happened and why.

"In addition to continuing our own investigation, we are also fully cooperating with RAIB and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and will carefully consider any findings as they emerge and act swiftly on lessons learned.

"There have been no previous incidents of this nature at Hoghton level crossing, and we carried out several safety checks and reviews to ensure that the crossing was safe to reopen."

Public concern grows

The incident has intensified concerns about level crossing safety in the area, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition urging Network Rail and Lancashire County Council to permanently close the crossing.

The tragedy also comes against a backdrop of increasing concern nationally. Figures released this week by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) show that 11 people lost their lives at level crossings between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026—the highest annual total recorded in more than a decade. Eight of those fatalities involved pedestrians.

During the same reporting period, the regulator also recorded nine collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings across Britain's rail network.

RAIB is expected to publish a full report once its investigation has been completed, with recommendations aimed at improving safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.