§ Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Minister of Transport whether she will make a statement about the accident last night at Star Lane Crossing, Wokingham, involving a train and a minibus.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe facts are that at about 19.00 yesterday the 17.54 electric multiple unit train from Waterloo to Reading, running at about 60 m.p.h., collided with a Dormobile minibus on Star Lane public level crossing near Woking-ham. The road vehicle was carried some 300 yards along the track and was severely damaged. I regret to inform the House that the driver of the road vehicle was killed.
The level crossing was equipped with automatic half barriers and red flashing light signals, operated by the approaching train.
Preliminary inquiries by the police indicate that the barriers and red flashing light signals operated correctly in this instance. I understand that the driver of the train has said that he saw the road vehicle slow down on approaching the crossing and then accelerate on to it; also that he noticed that the barriers were down and the red lights flashing when he approached the crossing. Subsequent tests by British Railways have confirmed that the barrier equipment is functioning correctly.
An inspecting officer of railways visited the site soon after the accident occurred. Further inquiries are being made after which my right hon. Friend will decide whether to order a formal inquiry.