Delny level-crossing 'working properly' at time of Easter Ross train and car collision, says Network Rail
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THE level-crossing on an Easter Ross road that was the scene of a collision between a train and car last week was functioning correctly, Network Rail has said.
The accident, involving a private vehicle, with a driver and passenger, and the 2pm Inverness to Wick ScotRail service, happened at the Delny level crossing at about 3pm last Friday.
British Transport Police and two Scottish Fire and Rescue appliances from Invergordon attended the scene but it's understood there were no serious injuries.
SEE ALSO: ScotRail flags compensation for passengers delayed by Delny accident
Crash between car and train blocks Far North line
British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to a level-crossing near Barbaraville at around 3.19pm [on November 24] following reports that a car had been struck by a train.
"Thankfully no injuries have been reported. Enquiries into this incident are ongoing."
Network Rail confirmed the accident on the Far North Line and said emergency services and railway staff had responded.
All those on board the train and the two occupants of the vehicle were uninjured, it said.
A spokesman said the level crossing was working correctly at the time of the incident.
The level crossing was upgraded to a half barrier crossing system while a potential road bridge option – now discarded – was explored..
It includes a system of barriers and warning lights.
Network Rail says the upgraded Delny level crossing fully meets the operational and safety requirements for the location, line speed, traffic and level of use.
The level crossing had been the scene of a fatality and a number of near misses down the years.
Half-barriers were installed at the crossing in 2017 a decade after the tragic deaths of teenagers Alan Thain and Paul Oliver who died after the car they were in was struck by the Inverness to Wick train.
Driver, Richard Fleming, was given a five-year jail sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.
Network Rail works with British Transport Police and other agencies to raise awareness amongst motorists and other road users of the potential consequences of failing to abide by safety instructions.
