Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The loving grandad who died with his grandson
Tributes after train smash horror
DEVASTATED friends have paid tribute to the tragic teen who died alongside his grandad when a train hit their car at a level crossing.
Will Hallett, 15, was on his way to play in a football match with Barry Hearnshaw, 72, when the collision on Saturday morning tore their motor in half.
Yesterday, Will’s parents Jilly and Bill visited the scene, where friends have left dozens of bouquets of flowers.
A schoolmate of Will said: “He was popular and friendly.
“He loved his football. Everyone knew Will. He was a lovely, friendly guy. We’re so upset. I can’t imagine what school is going to be like without him.”
A family friend said: “It’s awful. Everyone is asking how it happened when that crossing is generally safe.”
Rail investigators are examining the scene of the crash near the village of Barns Green, between Horsham and Billingshurst in West Sussex.
And it emerged that Will’s younger brother Henry was supposed to have been in the car too. A friend said: “I think he was going to watch his brother play football but, for whatever reason, he didn’t go. Thank goodness.”
Chelsea fan Will was a pupil at Tanbridge House School, near Horsham, and played with Horsham Sparrows FC. Fighting back tears, a friend said: “He was a really good player. He always loved playing football. Everyone is devastated.”
No one in the train was injured in the smash at around 8.40am on Saturday.
A witness said the car “disintegrated” on impact, leaving wreckage strewn across the tracks. One passenger said: “The train stopped suddenly and people started screaming. Then we saw the fire so we moved up the train and they evacuated.”
Another said: “The car broke in two.
“There was wreckage everywhere and one half of the car burst into flames. The occupants didn’t stand a chance.
“There was a plume of smoke over the accident site. It’s just so tragic.”
A vigil was planned for the victims last night. British Transport Police said the family was being supported by specialist officers.