West Sussex level crossing to reopen after crash that claimed two lives

Network Rail aimed to reopen the Barns Green level crossing in West Sussex on March 26, four days later than planned, following a fatal accident last month.

A teenage boy and his grandfather died after the latter’s car was struck by a train on a level crossing between Horsham and Billingshurst. The incident happened just before 0900 on February 17.

Will Hallett (15) and Barry Hearnshaw (72) died at the scene. They had been on their way to a junior football match where the teenager was due to play. No one on the service from Horsham to Bognor Regis was injured.

Paramedics walked through the train after the collision to check on the condition of the passengers. Many were taken to the nearby Sumners Pond campsite, where they were given hot drinks.

Two of them told the BBC there had been a fire after the crash. “The train stopped suddenly and then people started screaming,” they said. “Then we saw the fire so we moved up the train, and they evacuated the train.”

The car was destroyed in the crash. Campsite manager Matt Gale described seeing a huge plume of smoke at the level crossing as he arrived for work. He said the last of the passengers left on buses just after 1100. He estimated they had looked after about 100 people.

Network Rail said the automatic half-barrier crossing required substantial repairs. It had hoped to reopen the crossing by March 22 (as this issue of RAIL went to press), but was unable to complete the work in time.

A steady stream of mourners came to lay flowers and to pay their respects at the roadside near the level crossing.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch sent two investigators to the scene of the crash.

In a statement, Network Rail said: “The crossing on Emms Lane has automatic half-barriers and warning lights which are triggered by approaching trains. Both the crossing itself and the electrical equipment building which houses the crossing’s controls were severely damaged as a result of the incident.”

Chandris Webb, Network Rail mobile incident officer, was at the crossing after the crash. “We’re all incredibly grateful to everyone who went out of their way to help us. This was so appreciated by everyone who attended this difficult incident,” he said.

“People brought us cups of tea and biscuits and provided welfare facilities. It really made a difference on what was a very tough day for everyone involved.”

John Halsall, NR’s South East Route Managing Director, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives.”