Network Rail Charged Over Teenagers' Deaths

The families of two teenage girls who were killed at a level crossing have welcomed the prosecution of Network Rail - six years after their deaths.

Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and 13-year-old Charlotte Thompson died when they were hit by an express train in Elsenham in Essex in December 2005.

The girls were making their way to Cambridge for a Christmas shopping trip.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) says it has started criminal proceedings against Network Rail (NR) for breaches of health and safety law.

On December 3, 2005, the girls used Elsenham station footpath crossing (owned
and operated by NR) to reach the station platform. The station's footpath crossing was fitted with warning lights and yodel alarms.

A London to Cambridge train passed over the crossing with the red lights and yodel sounding - a warning for foot passengers not to cross the footpath crossing.

After the train passed, the lights remained on and the alarms continued to sound as another train, travelling to Stansted airport, was going to pass through the station.

The girls opened the wicket gates and walked on to the crossing. They were both
struck by the Stansted train and killed.

Olivia's father Chris said it was right that people were being "brought to account" over their deaths.

He said: "Back in 2006, when the various inquiries were held, there seemed to be unanswered questions and we were very disappointed with the inquest at which Network Rail's lawyers squashed discussion on rail safety.

"We are pleased that the ORR has decided to take action. None of this will bring back Liv or Charlie but, hopefully, other families will not have to go through what we have."

Earlier this year, the families had called for an inquiry after evidence emerged suggesting Charlotte and Olivia's deaths could have been prevented.

Network Rail said it had renewed efforts to keep crossings safe since the incident.

David Higgins, chief executive of Network Rail, said: "This was a deeply tragic event.

"Since this accident in 2005, we have launched a major programme to update the assessments of all our 7,000 level crossings, improving risk management and safety, and we have closed over 500 crossings since 2009."