Three killed in train collision at Caithness level crossing

Published on Tuesday 29 September 2009 16:27

THREE people have been killed after a collision at a level crossing in the Highlands.

The incident happened this afternoon when the ScotRail 10.38am Inverness to Wick train crashed into a car at Halkirk in Caithness.

Four ambulance crews were sent to the scene after the incident was reported at 2.08pm.

The three casualties are believed to have been in the car.

The train had 18 passengers on board and four crew but none were injured in the collision.

A spokesman for the Road Policing Unit said a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

A police spokesman said: "Police can confirm there are three fatalities."

"All passengers on the train are currently being taken from the scene by bus.

"No-one on board the train has been injured. At this time it is not known if anyone else was in the car."

Councillor David Flear, who represents the ward of Caithness Landward on Highland Council and lives in Halkirk, said that a woman had been severely injured at the crossing "several years ago".

"I think the community will be in shock. We are very tight-knit here. This is something on our doorstep that affects us all. Three people losing their lives is a tragedy."

"At the moment the road is blocked. There were three emergency vehicles and a lot of people around the crossing and the train; at least 20 people in fluorescent jackets that I could see from around a quarter of a mile away.

"The train appeared to be still on the tracks and had stopped around 100 yards from the crossing.

"This is an unmanned crossing."

A spokesman for Highland Council said a rest centre had been set up

for train passengers.

"Our job was to organise transport to take people from the scene to a nearby hotel which is being used as a rest centre.

"Our road staff put up diversion signs. Social work staff were also on hand to offer comfort, care and counselling to those involved."

Cameron Fyfe, of Ross Harper solicitors represents Sarah Jappy, 32, who 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.

Commenting on the crash today, Mr Fyfe said: "This tragic accident appears to be similar to that involving Sarah Jappy and in Sarah's case we are arguing that if there had been a barrier at the level crossing the accident would never have happened.

"It may be that the same questions will now be raised all over again as a result of this tragedy."