On Thursday 25 June 2026, a train struck a car at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, killing 33-year-old Kerry Coombes and leaving an eight-year-old girl critically injured. The incident has prompted a criminal investigation and a probe by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, highlighting the dangers that still exist at level crossings across the UK.
The basics The collision occurred at around 8.50am at a level crossing in Hoghton, near Preston. The train was the 7.51am Colne to Preston service. The car was occupied by two people: Kerry Coombes, a 33-year-old mother, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and an eight-year-old girl, who remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed they were the only occupants of the vehicle. The family of Ms Coombes, who worked as a social worker for Lancashire County Council, paid tribute to a "loving daughter, sister, partner and devoted mum" with "the biggest heart".
“What happened at the Hoghton level crossing tragedy and how level crossing safety is investigated.”
Background Level crossings are places where a road crosses a railway line at the same level. The UK has thousands of level crossings, managed by Network Rail, ranging from automatic barriers to open crossings with warning lights. Accidents at level crossings are relatively rare but often have devastating consequences because of the weight and speed of trains. The Hoghton crossing is typical of many rural crossings. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has sent a team of inspectors to the site to determine the cause of the collision, and BTP has launched a criminal investigation, which is standard procedure for serious incidents on the railway.
Why it matters for UK readers While level crossing accidents are uncommon, they are almost always fatal for those in the vehicle. The Hoghton tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance at crossings. The criminal investigation will examine whether any offences were committed, and the RAIB report may lead to safety recommendations that affect crossings across the country. For anyone who drives or walks near a level crossing, these investigations serve as a reminder to always obey signals, barriers and warning signs.
Key questions answered
Q: What exactly happened at the Hoghton level crossing? A: On the morning of 25 June 2026, a train struck a car at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire. The car was driven by Kerry Coombes, 33, who died at the scene. An eight-year-old girl in the car was critically injured. The incident occurred at around 8.50am on the Colne to Preston line.
Q: Who was Kerry Coombes? A: Kerry Coombes was a 33-year-old mother from Lancashire who worked as a social worker for Lancashire County Council. Her family described her as a "devoted mum" with a "big heart". She was also a daughter, sister and partner. Her colleagues at the council paid tribute to her as a "highly respected and dedicated social worker".
Q: What investigations are taking place? A: British Transport Police has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has also sent a team of inspectors to the scene. Both investigations will examine the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the state of the level crossing and the actions of those involved.
What happens next The RAIB will conduct a detailed investigation, which may take months, and will publish a final report with safety recommendations. The BTP criminal investigation will continue, with officers appealing for witnesses. The family of Kerry Coombes will be supported by specialist officers. In the long term, the findings could lead to changes in how level crossings are managed or used, potentially preventing future tragedies.