'Shut the crossing!' demand Hoghton residents after tragic train crash
“If the risk can be removed, it should be....before another life is lost”.
Residents are urging rail bosses to close a level crossing in Hoghton after last month’s tragic train crash.
More than 900 people have put their names to a petition calling on Network Rail to permanently close the crossing in Station Road - the scene of a fatal collision involving a train and a car on June 25, which claimed the life of 33-year-old social worker Kerry Coombes and left her injured 8-year-old daughter fighting for life in hospital.
British Transport Police say the exact cause of the crash has yet to be established - more than two weeks after a Northern service travelling towards Preston struck Ms Coombes’ car at around 8.50am.
The force said “detectives are following all lines of enquiry” and have been working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. The investigation is ongoing.
Since the fatal collision, concerns have been raised about the crossing’s safety, with locals last week reporting that the barriers failed to lower despite the warning lights flashing.
An alert was shared on a local Facebook group, with one resident urging others in the area to avoid the crossing.
Network Rail deployed engineers to the site to investigate but said no issues were found with the barriers or other equipment, and reassured motorists that the crossing was safe to use.
In a statement to the Post, they said they welcomed the vigilance of local residents and would promptly investigate any concerns they might have.
But a growing number of locals say they want to see the level crossing shut for good...“before another life is lost”.
A petition launched online urges Network Rail and Lancashire County Council to permanently close the Station Road crossing and redirect traffic via the A675, nearby.
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Raising the issue on Change.org, local resident Andy Davies said: “On 25 June 2026, a devastating collision at Station Road Level Crossing, Hoghton claimed the life of Kerry Coombes and left her young daughter with life-threatening injuries.
“While the circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, one fact is beyond dispute: whenever roads and railways cross, there is the potential for tragedy.
“Having looked at the local road network, it is difficult to understand why this level crossing remains necessary when the nearby A675 already provides the main route through the area.
“Station Road appears to serve primarily as a local cut-through, yet it requires motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to cross an active railway line.
“This petition is not about assigning blame or prejudging the outcome of any investigation. It is about preventing another family from experiencing the unimaginable.
“We are calling on Network Rail and Lancashire County Council to begin the process of permanently closing Station Road Level Crossing and redirecting traffic via the nearby A675.
“If the risk can be removed, it should be. Please sign this petition to support a safer future for Hoghton.”
What do Network Rail say?
Network Rail said they are aware of the petition, but explained they would not be in a position to make a decision on closing the crossing until the police and Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigation has been completed.
Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West Route director, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Kerry Coombes, who tragically lost her life, and her daughter, who remains in hospital.
“Our teams are working closely with the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in order to support their investigations into the circumstances of what happened."
Lancashire County Council were approached for comment.