INQUEST: Haltwhistle 2008

A jury returned a verdict of accidental death at the inquest of a teenager killed after being hit by a train on Haltwhisltle user crossing in January this year.

Christopher David Walton Walton had been helping to deliver coal at night to an adjacent property and was standing on the unlit crossing. It was claimed that the traffic noise and headlights of vehicles on the nearby A69 may have made it difficult for Mr Walton to know that a train was approaching.

Rail inspector John Tilley said the crossing had been "sub-standard" for a number of years and that it ought to be closed, a sentiment echoed by Mr Walton's parents.

Network Rail stated that they are in discussion with the landowner with respect to the crossing and that closure is NRs preferred option.

Hexham Courant: http://bit.ly/lc_haltwhistle_1

Journal Live: http://bit.ly/lc_haltwhistle_2