Delivery Driver Opens Level Crossing Gates by Hand, Causing Train Collision
CCTV footage has captured the dramatic moment a train crashed into a van after a reckless delivery driver manually opened the gates of a level crossing. William Backhouse, 30, escaped unharmed when a Northern Rail train travelling at 49mph ploughed into the front of his Ford Transit van at Braystones station in Cumbria.
Reckless Actions Endanger Lives
Backhouse had arrived at the road crossing but failed to notice the approaching locomotive. The video evidence shows the train smashing into the van, completely destroying the front left side and crumpling the bonnet. Debris from the vehicle was scattered across the tracks and surrounding road, forcing the railway line to be closed for several hours.
Miraculously, no one was injured in the crash, which occurred on September 13 last year while Backhouse was delivering parcels in the area. The train was carrying ten passengers at the time, and the driver managed to activate the emergency brakes upon seeing the obstruction.
Legal Consequences and Safety Warnings
Backhouse was charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously and endangering the safety of persons conveyed by the railway. At Ipswich Magistrates' Court, he was found guilty of both charges but spared immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
The court heard that Backhouse had opened the level crossing gates by hand without contacting the signaller to request permission to cross. A plea hearing last month at Workington Magistrates' Court detailed this dangerous breach of safety protocols.
Formerly of Carlisle in Cumbria but now residing in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Backhouse was banned from driving for one year. He must also pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a mental health treatment requirement for 12 months and pay £1,500 in compensation.
Authorities Condemn Dangerous Behaviour
Police Constable Stewart Simpson of the British Transport Police stated after the case: 'Backhouse's careless actions and wanton disregard for safety put his own life and the lives of everyone on the train at risk. The safety procedures are there for a reason, and we will continue to take action against those who try to beat the system or wilfully misuse level crossings. There is never an excuse for ignoring the safety protocols in place at a level crossing.'
He urged witnesses of similar offences to text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, emphasising that such reports help 'safeguard commuters and take action against negligent drivers.'
Clare Waller, Network Rail route director for the north west, added: 'Safety on the railway is our highest priority and this kind of reckless behaviour is not only dangerous but can cause significant disruption to passengers. This particular incident has cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds and everyone involved was lucky to escape injury. We will continue to work with our partners to manage level crossings as safely as possible.'
The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to railway safety measures, with authorities warning that such negligent actions can have catastrophic consequences for both individuals and public infrastructure.
