Train hits car at level crossing near Derby (20/07)

[matthewluck]

I am currently travelling from Burton to Sheffield and there is severe disruption. The reason announced is that a train has hit a car on a level crossing between Birmingham New Street and Derby.

Hopefully people are unharmed.

 

[Minilad]

Clay Mills Crossing just north of Burton
A 170 on a Nottingham - Birmingham train hit a black Vauxhall on the crossing. The car was allegedly empty

 

[Tubeboy]

https://officialwmas.wordpress.com/...it-collided-with-a-car-near-a-level-crossing/

Over 40 people on a train had a lucky escape after it collided with a car near a level crossing

Ambulance staff feared the worst after reports of a collision between a train and a car on a Staffordshire level crossing.

The incident happened at about 7.25pm on Monday evening near Meadow Lane in the Stretton area of Burton upon Trent.

An ambulance was first on scene and was backed up by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire, a paramedic area support officer, three doctors and the Hazardous Area Response Team.

...

 

[matthewluck]

A very lucky escape indeed. Very minor damage to the 170.

 

[Domh245]

Judging by the state of that fibreglass, it may need to be wholly replaced rather than just patching up

 

[the sniper]

Male arrested for obstructing the railway, seemingly without intent: http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Man-arrested-collision-railway-tracks/story-27450760-detail/story.html

Man arrested after collision on railway tracks in Burton

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of obstructing the railway following a crash at crossing in Burton.

British Transport Police were called to a rail crossing at Claymills in Burton at 7.20pm last night to reports of a collision between a train and a car.

The car has reportedly been 'destroyed' upon impact with the train.

Emergency services also attended and the 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

The train remains on the tracks with passengers still aboard, whilst all travel has been suspended between Wilnecote, Tamworth and Burton.

...

This is the crossing involved: http://www.abcrailwayguide.co.uk/clay-mills-level-crossing-8415

It'll be interesting to see what happened here...

 

[Harbon 1]

Something I could try and shed some light on...

I live in the last house towards Clay Mills from the Burton direction. The unit (170101) has stopped just past the end of the garden and I can hear it in the background as I'm typing this now (it has since moved off under its own power).

The car (black Vauxhall Insignia) was, according to the BTP officer who was on the train, not on the crossing but on the track, abandoned, which made sense as Clay Mills is a CCTV crossing. Where it got onto the track I can only assume is the small car park next to the crossing, behind some trees for a playing field. The rest of the length from there to my fence is a lake. The only other option would be for it to drive off the crossing and down the line.

The train was on the down line, with the car coming to rest on the up (corresponding goods lines either side). My brother who was in, heard a screech of brakes but because of where the freights stop, we've got used to it over the 15 years we've been here.

According to the BTP officer who knocked on our door (while I was out having a nosey), a few people got injured on the train, the front is a bit of a mess, and there is one person in custody.

Not the best picture but all I could get on my phone.

(hope it's okay to post this here btw)

 

[RichmondCommu]

The car (black Vauxhall Insignia) was, according to the BTP officer who was on the train, not on the crossing but on the track, abandoned, which made sense as Clay Mills is a CCTV crossing. Where it got onto the track I can only assume is the small car park next to the crossing, behind some trees for a playing field. The rest of the length from there to my fence is a lake. The only other option would be for it to drive off the crossing and down the line.

I'm interested to know why the car park that you mention hasn't got a fence between it and the railway.

 

[Harbon 1]

I'm interested to know why the car park that you mention hasn't got a fence between it and the railway.

It has, a really old metal fence which runs all the way past my garden as well. Trees as well, so I can only think they've driven it off the crossing. Not one of the new tall fences, it's about as tall as my garden fence and must be from pre-grouping times

 

[island]

I believe the train involved was 1G57. A 35-year old male has been nicked on suspicion of obstructing the railway.

 

[DaleCooper]

Judging by the state of that fibreglass, it may need to be wholly replaced rather than just patching up

I think that's true of the car as well.

 

[TheNewNo2]

I saw this on BBC news earlier, looked pretty nasty. Lucky we have one of our own onsite to sift the truth and the lies!

 

[joeh917]

Their was a tragic accident about 2 to 3 years ago between Grimsby and Scunthorpe when 2 men were killed after a train plowed into them when they were in a van or car I can't remember which and both men died. It was said at the inquest that they were to blame as they tried to cross at a crossing when the barriers were down but they were only part barriers which are very tempting to motorists in a hurry to cross. I think that all crossings should have full barriers so then no motorist will be tempted to cross and less lives will be lost as a result.

 

[Zoidberg]

Their was a tragic accident about 2 to 3 years ago between Grimsby and Scunthorpe when 2 men were killed after a train plowed into them when they were in a van or car I can't remember which and both men died. It was said at the inquest that they were to blame as they tried to cross at a crossing when the barriers were down but they were only part barriers which are very tempting to motorists in a hurry to cross. I think that all crossings should have full barriers so then no motorist will be tempted to cross and less lives will be lost as a result.

The problem is not with the crossings, but with some people's inability to comply with the rules for their use.

Would these folk who ignore the Amber and flashing Red lights be so cavalier with traffic lights at a road junction? I think not.

 

[gordonthemoron]

Would these folk who ignore the Amber and flashing Red lights be so cavalier with traffic lights at a road junction? I think not.

more than likely

 

[Llanigraham]

Their was a tragic accident about 2 to 3 years ago between Grimsby and Scunthorpe when 2 men were killed after a train plowed into them when they were in a van or car I can't remember which and both men died. It was said at the inquest that they were to blame as they tried to cross at a crossing when the barriers were down but they were only part barriers which are very tempting to motorists in a hurry to cross. I think that all crossings should have full barriers so then no motorist will be tempted to cross and less lives will be lost as a result.

Full barrier crossings can only be used where the crossing is observed by a signaller, either directly or by CCTV. That should ensure that nothing can be trapped inside the crossing.
Half barrier crossings are un-observed and therefore there is a way to escape them.
Anyone who weaves around the barriers, ignoring the flashing red lights is an idiot!

 

[DaleCooper]

Their was a tragic accident about 2 to 3 years ago between Grimsby and Scunthorpe when 2 men were killed after a train plowed into them when they were in a van or car I can't remember which and both men died. It was said at the inquest that they were to blame as they tried to cross at a crossing when the barriers were down but they were only part barriers which are very tempting to motorists in a hurry to cross. I think that all crossings should have full barriers so then no motorist will be tempted to cross and less lives will be lost as a result.

You need to look at some videos on Youtube which show that some idiots will drive through full barriers as well, at least half barriers provide an escape route, although some drivers are too stupid to use it.

Here's a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI8mXzEJFfE

 

[Zoidberg]

more than likely

Well, at most traffic light controlled junctions one can see why one should stop when signalled to do so. Other traffic is about to be released and a collision is highly likely if the signals are ignored.

At level crossings, one has to remain at a stop for longer before there is any evidence of cross traffic. I think being unable to see why one's progress is being impeded leads some to take chances.

 

[joeh917]

I remember a time many years ago when they had someone manning these crossings and they were all full barriers. I know this will sound funny now but one morning while waiting for a train to pass this old man got out of his cabin or whatever you call it and came down the stairs and opened the gates not barriers by hand after the train had passed and he did'nt hurry too much either. That was in 1970 when I was working for a bread firm and we were delivering to Spalding. I know those days are long gone but I will bet their were less accidents back then than their are today.

 

[carriageline]

I remember a time many years ago when they had someone manning these crossings and they were all full barriers. I know this will sound funny now but one morning while waiting for a train to pass this old man got out of his cabin or whatever you call it and came down the stairs and opened the gates not barriers by hand after the train had passed and he did'nt hurry too much either. That was in 1970 when I was working for a bread firm and we were delivering to Spalding. I know those days are long gone but I will bet their were less accidents back then than their are today.

No, I'm sorry, I highly doubt there is, 99% of crossings are completely safe. We hardly have one accident a week. The cost savings simply outweigh any risk.

 

[transmanche]

Well, at most traffic light controlled junctions one can see why one should stop when signalled to do so. Other traffic is about to be released and a collision is highly likely if the signals are ignored.

At level crossings, one has to remain at a stop for longer before there is any evidence of cross traffic. I think being unable to see why one's progress is being impeded leads some to take chances.

It would be interesting to compare accident rates on Tramlink level crossings with similar NR level crossings.

Tramlink runs in 'street mode', even on reserved track. So its level crossings just use normal traffic lights, rather than special level crossing lights and barriers.

 

[meridian2]

I remember a time many years ago when they had someone manning these crossings and they were all full barriers. I know this will sound funny now but one morning while waiting for a train to pass this old man got out of his cabin or whatever you call it and came down the stairs and opened the gates not barriers by hand after the train had passed and he did'nt hurry too much either. That was in 1970 when I was working for a bread firm and we were delivering to Spalding. I know those days are long gone but I will bet their were less accidents back then than their are today.

Level crossings are inherently dangerous, end of.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Level crossings are inherently dangerous, end of.

Not if treated correctly.

 

[Darandio]

Level crossings are inherently dangerous, end of.

Only as dangerous as the person crossing them, end of.

 

[matchmaker]

I remember a time many years ago when they had someone manning these crossings and they were all full barriers. I know this will sound funny now but one morning while waiting for a train to pass this old man got out of his cabin or whatever you call it and came down the stairs and opened the gates not barriers by hand after the train had passed and he did'nt hurry too much either. That was in 1970 when I was working for a bread firm and we were delivering to Spalding. I know those days are long gone but I will bet their were less accidents back then than their are today.

The worst level crossing crash in Britain occurred at a traditional crossing - Burton Agnes, 1947. 12 dead. Not far behind was Balmuckety, 1946. 10 dead.

 

[Minilad]

Level crossings are inherently dangerous, end of.

Only when used by the terminally stupid. End of

 

[90019]

Would these folk who ignore the Amber and flashing Red lights be so cavalier with traffic lights at a road junction? I think not.

You might be surprised how often they are.

 

[LAX54]

I remember a time many years ago when they had someone manning these crossings and they were all full barriers. I know this will sound funny now but one morning while waiting for a train to pass this old man got out of his cabin or whatever you call it and came down the stairs and opened the gates not barriers by hand after the train had passed and he did'nt hurry too much either. That was in 1970 when I was working for a bread firm and we were delivering to Spalding. I know those days are long gone but I will bet their were less accidents back then than their are today.

Recall back in the 80's a manned crossing in Norfolk 'lost' 3 sets of gates in 3 days, in fact 'shops' were still there on the 3rd day finishing off when..........
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Their was a tragic accident about 2 to 3 years ago between Grimsby and Scunthorpe when 2 men were killed after a train plowed into them when they were in a van or car I can't remember which and both men died. It was said at the inquest that they were to blame as they tried to cross at a crossing when the barriers were down but they were only part barriers which are very tempting to motorists in a hurry to cross. I think that all crossings should have full barriers so then no motorist will be tempted to cross and less lives will be lost as a result.

Then that is their problem, when the AMBER light comes on, STOP, unless it's dangerous to do so, and whatever RED means STOP, end of, no ifs, no buts, no maybes ! AMBER means STOP. RED means STOP .
We have lost count on full barrier CCTV crossings where we lose 1 or 2 barrier arms as they can't wait for a few minutes, this then of course cause possible hours of delay for passngersm possible lost connections, and motorists delayed too as they cannot use the crossing as normal

 

[carriageline]

Level crossings are inherently dangerous, end of.

There not. It's the idiotic sheep that refuse to use them properly. What's worse, is when one jumps the lights, then others follow.

Or, during a crossing failure, people ring up asking if they can jump the lights and barriers and cross. No, you can't, do one you ****!

 

[6Gman]

Their was a tragic accident about 2 to 3 years ago between Grimsby and Scunthorpe when 2 men were killed after a train plowed into them when they were in a van or car I can't remember which and both men died. It was said at the inquest that they were to blame as they tried to cross at a crossing when the barriers were down but they were only part barriers which are very tempting to motorists in a hurry to cross. I think that all crossings should have full barriers so then no motorist will be tempted to cross and less lives will be lost as a result.

Yes. Until somebody stalls on a crossing and is unable to drive off because the barrier is down ....