Train hits car outside York

The RAIB has initiated an investigation into a collision at Copmanthorpe, some three miles south of York.

On 25 September 2006 at approximately 20:55 hrs train number 1S91, the 14.25 train from Plymouth to Leeds, consisting of a 5 car Virgin Voyager unit, struck a road vehicles that was across the track at the site of a closed level crossing at Moor Lane, Copmanthorpe.

The train was partially derailed in the collision, but remained upright and in line until brought to a controlled stop. There were no injuries to staff or passengers on the train, but the driver of the car was killed in the collision. There was consequential damage to both the train and the track.

Initial investigations indicate that none of the maintenance or driving of the train, the state of the track or that of the signalling contributed to the collision.

The RAIB's investigation into this derailment is proceeding independently of any parallel investigations by the police forces and the safety authority, but the RAIB will share technical evidence as appropriate, subject to legal exclusions such as the identity and statements of witnesses.

The RAIB will publish its report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.