The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has announced that they have launched an investigation after a fatal crash between a car and a train in Lancashire.
On the 25th June 2026, the 07:51 Northern service from Colne to Preston struck a car at Hoghton level crossing, which is situated between Blackburn and Preston.
Sadly, the driver of the car was killed in the crash and the child passenger was seriously injured.
No injuries were reported by anyone on the train.
The level crossing is equipped with traffic lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians. Both of these activate automatically as the train approaches.
The barriers also activate a short time later to block the left side of the road.
However, the RAIB says that its preliminary findings show that whilst the train had passed a green signal as it approached the crossing, the traffic lights and alarm had not activated and the half barriers did not lower.
The full investigation will look into:
- any relevant underlying factors.
- the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them
- any previous incidents at Hoghton level crossing
- the management of risk at this crossing
Responses
That’s why irrespective of whether the barrier is closed or not, you should ALWAYS check for oncoming trains before entering a level crossing.