Collision spotlights risks being taken at level crossings

An immediate rescue operation went into effect following a crash at a Suffolk level crossing on 17 August, which left a 58-year-old man with life-threatening injuries.

The 1731 National Express East Anglia service, a two-carriage diesel passenger train, was travelling between Sudbury and Marks Tey when it struck a large sewage tanker at an unmanned level crossing near Sudbury. The line is expected to be closed for several days.

Following the collision, the train involved remained upright, but the first carriage derailed.

Diana Lucas, a spokeswoman for the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), said engineers have worked tirelessly with roadway officials to improve safety at level crossings and tested ideas such as new types of reflective materials for trains. However, she added that many such accidents are due to carelessness from motorists and pedestrians.

‘We’re trying to improve level crossings as an interface and improve the safety, but there are only so many things that we can do,’ said Lucas.