Man charged after collision at level crossing

A MAN has been charged after a collision between a van and a train at a level crossing. The crash happened on Saturday at the Hoy crossing on the B874 in Halkirk, Caithness.

Three people were killed at a nearby level crossing when a train hit a car in September last year.

Northern Constabulary said five passengers and three members of staff were on board the Inverness to Wick train when yesterday's accident took place, though no-one on the train was hurt. The van driver had to be cut free following the collision and suffered minor injuries, but was taken to Caithness General Hospital for treatment.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "A 20-year-old man from Caithness has been charged with a road traffic offence. A report has been submitted to the procurator-fiscal."

Angus MacKay and his wife Margaret, both 81 and from Inverness, died when their car was involved in an accident at a level crossing in Halkirk last September.

Mr MacKay's brother, Donald, 66, from Latheron, Caithness, was a front-seat passenger in the car. He was also killed in the crash at the unmanned crossing, which has warning lights installed but no barriers.