Fears over 'high risk' crossing after train crash death
An investigation is underway following a fatal collision between a train and a delivery vehicle at a user-operated level crossing in West Lancashire. Local residents have raised concerns about the safety of the crossing, noting that the gates are frequently left open.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding rural infrastructure and the risks associated with user-operated railway crossings.
Image caption, The train was travelling from Southport to Manchester when it collided with a van on a crossing
An investigation is continuing into how a delivery vehicle and a train collided on a crossing, killing a van driver.
The incident happened off Martin Lane and Whitehouse Lane in Burscough, West Lancashire, on Saturday at about 15:00 GMT, when a train from Southport to Manchester collided with what is understood to be a supermarket delivery vehicle.
People living in the area have told the BBC that it was not uncommon for the gate on the crossing to be left open at times by people using it.
The claims have been put to Network Rail, which, while not able to comment on the claims, said it was involved in an investigation alongside British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Board.
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