Investigation begins at scene of Caithness rail crossing crash

Published on Wednesday 30 September 2009 14:55

RAIL investigators were today examining the scene where three elderly people died when a train smashed into their car on a rural crossing.

None of the 18 passengers and four crew on the Inverness to Wick train were hurt in the crash at the crossing in the village of Halkirk, Caithness, yesterday afternoon.

The crossing is unmanned and has warning lights but no barriers.

The occupants of the Nissan Almera are believed to include an elderly couple from the Inverness area.

British Transport Police (BTP) said the car's wreckage had been removed from the site but the two-carriage train was still there.

The investigation is being led by BTP and Northern Constabulary.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have also launched an investigation with a team of two people at the scene today.

Network Rail said last night there was no indication that the crossing was not functioning correctly when the crash happened.

Highland Council councillor David Flear said: "There's a lot of transport police activity at the area. The crossing is still blocked off and the road is closed. There are also people from Network Rail at the site. The car has been removed.

"The community is still slightly stunned. They are waiting to see with bated breath if it's someone local. There is concern about that."

Politicians said the community would need assurances that there could be no repeat of the crash.

Sarah Jappy, 32, was seriously injured in an accident at Halkirk level crossing in October 2002.

She was pregnant at the time and her baby survived the crash.

Ms Jappy is pursuing action against Network Rail at the Court of Session and the final hearing is set for next year.