Overview
- A car was struck at the Station Road level crossing in Hoghton on 25 June, killing 33‑year‑old Kerry Coombes and critically injuring her eight‑year‑old daughter.
- RAIB’s mid‑July preliminary examination found the crossing’s road traffic lights, pedestrian alarm and half‑barriers did not activate while the 7.51am Northern train from Colne to Preston passed a green signal.
- The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has opened an independent probe to establish the sequence and causes and to publish safety recommendations at the end of its inquiry.
- British Transport Police launched a parallel criminal investigation and are asking witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.
- Local campaigners have started a petition calling for the crossing’s closure and the case has renewed scrutiny of automatic half‑barrier crossings and how signalling and road design affect public safety.