NEAR MISS: Stone, Kent 24/05/08

A pedestrian was involved in a near miss at a crossing in Kent. Steve Johnson alleged that a gate leading onto the manual gated crossing at Stone was left open and that he was about to cross when a train sped past.

The crossing is controlled from a signal box next to the track. Network Rail said a full investigation was under way into the incident.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5akejo

Photo: (c) railwaystations.fpic.co.uk

INCIDENT: Bunchrew AOC, Inverness 17/05/08

A car collided with a passenger train at an automatic open crossing near Inverness. Graham Macmillan was cut free from his Ford Focus after it was struck at Bunchrew crossing by the two-coach train en route to Wick. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service said the train struck the front of the vehicle and threw it forward, eventually landing on its side. The train stopped about a hundred yards further up the line. McMillan has since been subject of a report to the fiscal following an investigation.

The crossing has been identified by Network Rail as one of the 50 most abused in the country. Locals have often claimed that the lights do not always work and that there have been a number of near misses in the past.

Press and Journal: http://tinyurl.com/66v63e
Inverness Courier: http://tinyurl.com/5efg4c
BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/6rnocw
The Press & Journal: http://tinyurl.com/662k9h

UPDATE: The Office of Rail Regulation has said that it will investigate the complaints after it was provided with what locals say is photographic evidence of the lights failing to warn of an approaching train.

See photos and video: BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5tpl7s

Photo: (c) BBC News

INCIDENT: Marston AHB, Derbyshire 10th May 2008

A man was killed when his car was hit by a train after stopping on the automatic half-barrier crossing at Marston on Dove, Derbyshire. There were no serious injuries reported on the train, which did not derail.

Ian Hakes, 43, was inside his green Mazda when it was hit by the 15:28 East Midlands Trains service from Derby to Crewe. Two of the train's 54 passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

He was due to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court for possessing an imitation firearm.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5p4uoa

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burtonmail-news/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=314607

INCIDENT: Blackboy Lane AHB, Sussex 10.05.08

A woman was struck and killed at an automatic half-barrier crossing near Fishbourne, Sussex.

Details are unclear. The train driver was initially unaware that he has hit a person.
Initial reports from British Transport Police state that the incident was unexplained due to lack of CCTV and witness evidence.

INCIDENT: Marsh Barton FP+MWL, 10/05/08

A woman was struck and killed on Marsh Barton footpath crossing with miniature warning lights. It is believed she was trying to retrieve her dogs from the line when she was struck.