Network Rail to payout $36,000

 A rail operator has been fined $75,000 following the death of a teenager at North-East level crossing.

Network Rail were also ordered to pay costs of more $36,000 after pleading guilty in Tynedale Magistrates’ Court, to breaking Health and Safely laws in relation to an accident that caused the death of Christopher Walton at Haltwhistle, in Northumberland.

Christopher Walton was killed when he was hit by a freight train as he carried sacks of coal over West Lodge level crossing to Blenkinsopp Estate.

Christopher was 17 at the time of the accident and was returning to his van with a colleague on January 22nd when he was hit by the train.

An investigation into the accident by the office of Rail Regulation (ORR) found that the rail company should have taken steps to reduce the risks of using the crossing, including instructing pedestrians to telephone the signaler before crossing.

On routine inspections between 2005 and 2008, Network Rail failed to recognise the risks associated with using the crossing.

Speaking the sentencing, Allan Spence, deputy chief inspector of railways at the ORR said: "This tragic incident could have been prevented. Network Rail was aware of the dangers of this crossing, and possible steps to improve safety - yet failed to take action to reduce the risks to users.“

Since the incident, Network Rail have taken steps to ensure the safety of anyone using the crossing, including installing a trackside telephone so users can get permission to cross.

Story provided by: claimsnational.co.uk