Rail accident body begins probe into fatal collision

A rail watchdog has begun investigating a collision between a train and delivery van on a crossing, in which the van driver was killed.

Simon Gettings, 55, of Southport, died when the supermarket delivery van he was driving was hit by a Northern train, travelling from Southport to Manchester, in Burscough, Lancashire, on the afternoon of 29 August.

Although an investigation by the British Transport Police (BTP) is ongoing, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) will carry out its own independent investigations.

The body said inquiries would determine the events that led to the crash, the actions of those involved and would consider the relevance of any other incidents at the crossing.

The collision resulted in two passengers on the train suffering minor injuries.

Gettings, a married father of two, was described as having an "unmatched sense of humour, justice and humanity", who had retired from teaching to spend more time with his family.

"Simon's tragic and untimely death has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved him," his family previously said.

The crossing, off Martin Lane and Whitehouse Lane, is manually operated by people who use it.

People living in the area have previously told the BBC that it was not uncommon for the gate on the crossing to be left open at times by people using it.

Network Rail previously said while it was not able to comment on those claims, it was involved in an investigation alongside BTP and the RAIB.

The RAIB said it would publish its findings, along with any recommendations to make the crossing safer, on its website at a later date.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.