Police continue to 'follow all lines of enquiry' into exact cause of fatal Hoghton train crash - latest update
Local mum Kerry Coombes, 33, was killed at the scene...
An investigation continues 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.
British Transport Police say the exact cause of the crash has yet to be established - 11 days after a Northern service travelling towards Preston struck a car on a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire.
Speaking to the Post, the force said “detectives are following all lines of enquiry” as they seek answers to the tragic crash which killed local social worker Kerry Coombes.
The 33-year-old 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.
Investigation - latest update
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.
Last week, British Transport Police said initial enquiries had been completed and it had launched a criminal investigation, as it urged people "not to speculate" on what happened.
But today, the police force said it has yet to establish the exact circumstances of what led to the crash, and it continues to investigate multiple lines of enquiry.
“There are no significant updates at this stage,” said a spokesperson for BTP. “Detectives are following all lines of enquiry to establish the exact cause of the incident.”
Network Rail, who owns and manages the rail line, said it has “fully co-operated with the investigation” but was unable to comment further at this stage.
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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."