Van Smashes Into Train at Cheshire Level Crossing
A delivery van collided with a train at the Home Farm user-worked level crossing near Alsager on Saturday, 11 February 2023, around 1pm, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has revealed.
Van Driver Blamed for Risky Move
RAIB’s preliminary investigation found the van pulled onto the crossing while a train was fast approaching. Although the driver stopped before the train arrived, the van’s front end remained dangerously close to the rails and was hit by the train travelling at about 30 mph (48 km/h).
The train driver spotted the van 3-4 seconds before impact, sounded the horn, and hit the brakes. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the van was seriously damaged and the train sustained some damage.
Driver Ignored Safety Rules
Signs at the Home Farm crossing clearly instruct drivers to contact the signaller and get permission before crossing, as visibility along the tracks is limited. Records show the van driver did not make any call for permission.
RAIB Issues Warning to Delivery Company
RAIB won’t launch a full probe but flagged the incident’s similarity to a 2017 crash at Frognal Farm involving another delivery vehicle (RAIB report 12/2018).
The watchdog has written to the delivery firm, urging it to brief drivers on the dangers of misusing user-worked crossings and to raise the issue at industry forums. They’ve also alerted Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, the Department for Transport, and the Health and Safety Executive.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport plans to introduce new signs for user-worked crossings following previous RAIB recommendations to boost safety.
