Level crossing collision, Bradford-on-Tone, 23rd December 2019.

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

There has been a collision this evening (23/12/2019) between a train and car at Bradford-on-Tone level crossing near Taunton. Sadly, one person has died.

The train involved was 1C93 the 1837 Paddington - Plymouth.

Both lines are currently blocked with emergency services on scene as I type.

As always with such incidents, thoughts are with those affected, particularly the train driver and the personnel dealing with the aftermath. All the more sad so close to Christmas.

[grahame]

From GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) via Devon Live last night, before the death of a person (presumably in or with the car) was announced.

Little is known about the state of the car or any passengers in it, but GWR has now released a statement.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident involving the 1837 service from Paddington to Plymouth, where the train has struck a car at a level crossing near Taunton.

"Emergency services are presently at the scene. Thankfully no customers or staff are reported to have been injured, but the driver of the train is understandably very shaken.

"Other trains are being diverted around the incident where possible and alternative transport is being provided where required."

Emergency services are currently on the scene with some passengers reporting seeing firefighters on the tracks.

All trains on this line have been cancelled while the incident is dealt with.

Exemplary action from GWR - correct in the circumstances, doing all they can.   The sleeper missed the Taunton stop, some understandable cancellations, alternative transport provided where required.

We don't yet know the circumstances leading up to the collision - but my mind goes back to Ufton Nervet and I thank goodness that the train and its crew and passengers are safe.

From Journey Check

Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Taunton

Due to a train hitting an obstruction on the line earlier today between Exeter St Davids and Taunton all lines are blocked.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 07:00 24/12.

[Celestial]

Heartfelt thought to all those caught up in last night's tragedy, particularly so soon before Xmas.

One slightly interesting point is that one of the diverted services lost only 14 minutes between Castle Cary and Exeter, presumably helped by fewer SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) services due to the strike.  However, it does go to show the potential for the route as a fast diversionary option if there was more double tracking or passing loops.

[JayMac]

Exemplary action from GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) - correct in the circumstances, doing all they can.   

From what I can gather from GWR's social media, from those aboard the effected train, and others caught up in delays, the sentiment was mostly stoic. Only minor grumbles about lack of information, but even those recognised the seriousness of the incident, with some expressing concern for the train driver.

One tweet in particular that caught my eye contained an image of a form handed out to passengers on the incident train. Image attached below. I wonder if this is a recent initiative after previous bad publicity following train strandings. If so, well done GWR for proactively gathering passenger information following such an incident rather than passengers having to make their own enquiries.

[grahame]

Inquest report from Somerset Live

A "friendly" carer and mum died after her vehicle was struck by a train on a level crossing near Taunton, a coroner's inquest has heard.

Dalila Briginshaw, 65, of Nynehead near Wellington, was the single occupant of a vehicle hit by a train on the Bradford-on-Tone level crossing on East Nynehead Road at around 9.08pm on Monday, December 23, 2019.

The 6.37pm service from London Paddington to Plymouth collided with "an obstruction" on the tracks and lines in both directions were blocked.

[snip]


After assessing the evidence, Mr Williams was satisfied that he could record the cause of death as a result of multiple traumatic injuries.

He added: "With the circumstances, I will record a conclusion of suicide noting that on December 23, 2019 at Bradford-on-Tone level crossing in East Nynehead Road, Taunton, Dalila Briginshaw, deliberately placed her motor vehicle on the level crossing, knowing she would suffer fatal injuries."

[JayMac]

It's very sad when someone gets to such a low mental state that suicide is the only way out for them.

Without wishing to speak ill of the dead my sympathy is tempered by the method chosen in this case. There's are very real risk that this incident could have led to a catastrophic accident.