A full investigation is underway into a collision involving a passenger train and a car at Hoghton automatic half-barrier level crossing, near Preston, Lancashire, which occurred on 25 June 2026. The incident, at approximately 08:48, involved the 07:51 Northern service travelling from Colne to Preston. Tragically, the driver of the car died, and a child passenger suffered serious injuries. Fortunately, no one on board the train was hurt in the collision.
Hoghton level crossing is equipped with a system designed to automatically activate road traffic lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians as trains approach. Following a short delay, half-barriers on both sides of the crossing are meant to lower automatically, blocking the left-hand side of the road for approaching vehicles.
However, preliminary examinations by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) indicate that the safety mechanisms at the crossing may not have functioned as intended. Evidence suggests that the road traffic lights and audible alarm were not activated, and the half-barriers remained in a raised position when the train, which had passed a green signal, approached the crossing.
The independent RAIB investigation will meticulously determine the sequence of events leading to the accident. Key areas of focus will include the actions of those involved and any influencing factors, records of any previous incidents at Hoghton level crossing, the effectiveness of risk management protocols at this specific location, and any relevant underlying issues that may have contributed to the collision.
The RAIB's inquiry is distinct from any investigations conducted by the railway industry itself or by its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road. The branch has stated that its findings, along with any recommendations for improving safety, will be published upon the conclusion of its investigation, with the report made available on its website.