The United Kingdom’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch is probing a May 1 level-crossing collision in Redcar, North Yorkshire.
On May 1, at around 9:25 a.m. local time, a passenger train traveling between Saltburn and Nunthorpe struck a car at 23 mph on Redcar level crossing. The car driver was injured in the collision, which caused significant damage to the car, and the passengers and staff on the train were not reported injured.
Redcar level crossing is fitted with road traffic light signals and barriers on both sides of the railway. When fully extended, the barriers cross the whole width of the road. The signaler had not closed the level crossing to road traffic before the train arrived.
Before the collision occurred, the signaler had authorized the train driver to pass a signal showing a red (danger) aspect. The signal involved provided protection to two level crossings, including Redcar.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider the actions of the signaler and the train driver involved and anything which may have influenced them, the management of the staff involved in the accident, including their training and competence, engineered safeguards within the signaling and level crossing control system and any underlying management factors.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said it will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation.
