Level crossing barriers were raised and alarm not activated before crash that killed mother, 33, and injured eight-year-old girl, report finds

Published: 12:08, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 12:17, 16 July 2026 Level crossing barriers were raised and an alarm was not activated before a crash that killed a mother and injured an eight-year-old girl, a report has found. Kerry Coombes, 33, died and an eight-year-old girl was left fighting for her life following the collision in Hoghton, Lancashire, last month.  She was pronounced dead at the scene, while the schoolgirl was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in a critical condition. A Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigation into the fatal collision confirmed the crossing is 'equipped with road traffic lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians, both of which are designed to activate automatically as trains approach'. It added that half-barriers at both sides are programmed to lower automatically to block the left-hand side of the road. The train - which was the 7.51am Northern passenger service from Colne to Preston - passed a green signal as it headed towards the crossing, the report said. But as the locomotive arrived at 8.50am, neither the road traffic lights nor the audible alarm were activated and the barriers were raised. The probe into the incident is set to continue and will consider the actions of the people involved, and draw up a sequence of events in the run-up to the crash.  Kerry Coombes, pictured, died and an eight-year-old girl was left fighting for her life following a collision in Hoghton, Lancashire, last month Level crossing barriers were raised and an alarm was not activated before the crash, a report has found (Pictured: Tarpaulin covers the wreckage in the aftermath of the collision) A spokesperson from the British Transport Police confirmed two members of railway staff were initially arrested at the scene on suspicion of endangering the safety of the railway, to allow officers to gather any relevant evidence. The staff members were de-arrested a short time later once their details had been confirmed. Chiefs say they are helping police with their continued enquiries. Social worker Ms Coombes's devastated family paid tribute to her in the aftermath, describing her as a 'loving daughter, sister, partner and devoted mum'. They said: 'She had the biggest heart, always put other people before herself and brought so much love, laughter and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her. 'The loss of Kerry has left a hole in our family that can never be filled. We are heartbroken and are trying to come to terms with what has happened.' Ms Coombes was a 'highly respected and dedicated' social worker who 'cared deeply about the children she supported', Lancashire County Council said. Jacqui Old, executive director of Education and Children's Services, said: 'Kerry brought compassion, professionalism and a strong sense of commitment to her work, and made a real difference to people's lives. 'She was a valued member of the team and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and by all those who knew her.' Fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene on Station Road. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said at the time: 'This was a shocking and tragic incident, and our specialist officers will continue to support Kerry's family and friends throughout this ordeal. 'Following our initial enquiries a criminal investigation into the incident has now been launched, and I would ask the public not to speculate, as further updates will be provided in due course.' Fire and ambulance crews attended along with officers from British Transport Police and South Ribble Police Police and ambulance crews at the level crossing responding to the fatal incident  A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We responded to an incident in the Hoghton area of Lancashire after reports of a collision between a train and a car at 8.50am today. 'Several clinical teams attended the scene, including our hazardous area response team and two air ambulances. 'Sadly, a child has sustained life threatening injuries and has been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for further treatment. 'No passengers travelling on the train required treatment from ambulance crews.'