RAIB Releases Report Into Hereford Crash

New rail safety recommendations made following a level crossing collision which led to the death of a woman have been welcomed by an injury expert at Irwin Mitchell.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its report into the fatal incident at Moreton-on-Lugg near Hereford in January 2010, when a passenger train collided with two vehicles and fatally injured car passenger Jane Harding.

According to the publication, the incident occurred after a signalman was distracted by a phone call and thought the train had passed when he mistakenly raised the crossing barriers.

It also found there was no safeguard in the signalling equipment to prevent the incident and the RAIB has made four recommendations to Network Rail in order to ensure the risk of human error of this kind is reduced in the future.

Irwin Mitchell has much experience of representing victims of those seriously injured in train crashes, as well as advising the loved ones of those tragically killed in such incidents.

Discussing the report, Gary Walker of the firm’s Sheffield office said: “The recommendations made in this report are a strong sign that lessons are set to be learnt from this terrible crash.

“Clear safety failings were highlighted which meant signalling equipment is not in line with current level crossing standards, so it is vital that the findings of this publication lead to a reassessment that ensures all crossings meet the latest guidance.

“The safety of both train passengers and those on the roads cannot be undermined and we hope that the same mistakes will be avoided in the future.”