At around 09:25 hrs on 1 May 2024, a passenger train traveling between Saltburn and Nunthorpe struck a car on Redcar level crossing. The collision took place at 23 mph (37 km/h).

The car driver was injured in the collision and significant damage was caused to the car. There were no reported injuries to the passengers and staff on the train.

Redcar level crossing is fitted with road traffic light signals and barriers on both sides of the railway. The barriers, when fully extended, cross the whole width of the road. The signaller in this case had not closed the level crossing to road traffic before the train arrived.

Before the collision occurred, the driver of the train had been authorised by the signaller to pass a signal which was showing a red (danger) aspect. The signal involved provided protection to two level crossings, including Redcar.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider:

• the actions of the signaller and the train driver involved and anything which may have influenced them
• the management of the staff involved in the accident, including their training and competence
• engineered safeguards within the signalling and level crossing control system
• any underlying management factors.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

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