'Enquiries are ongoing' - latest as police continue to investigate cause of fatal Hoghton train crash
Local mum Kerry Coombes, 33, was killed at the scene, and her 8-year-daughter was seriously injured...
Police say “enquiries are ongoing” into the cause of a train crash which killed a 33-year-old mum and left her 8-year-old daughter fighting for her life.
Social worker Kerry Coombes died at the scene in Station Road, Hoghton, after her car was struck by a train on a level crossing at around 8.50am on Thursday, June 25.
Her daughter, Ava, was rescued from the wreck and taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool with ‘life-threatening injuries’. No official update has been provided on her condition.
British Transport Police said detectives have been working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to establish exactly what led to the fatal collision. Both Northern and Network Rail said they would fully co-operate with the investigation.
The force said initial enquiries have been completed and it had launched a criminal investigation, as it urged people "not to speculate" on what happened.
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Criminal investigation ‘enquiries ongoing’
Det Ch Insp Paul Attwell said: "This was a shocking and tragic incident, and our specialist officers will continue to support Kerry's family and friends throughout this ordeal.
"Following our initial enquiries a criminal investigation into the incident has now been launched, and I would ask the public not to speculate on the incident, as further updates will be provided in due course."
The Lancashire Post approached British Transport Police for an update today (Thursday, July 2). The force said “enquiries are ongoing” and there was no further information to share with the public at this stage.