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1 of 2Charlotte Thompson, 13, (left) and Olivia Bazlinton, 14, who were killed by a train in Elsenham, Essex Handout
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2 of 2The Times reported on errors that led to the deaths of Olivia and Charlotte
Network Rail put financial considerations above public safety, suppressed information about fatal accidents and may have conspired to cover up its failings, the families of children killed or maimed at level crossings claim today.
The harrowing testimony of parents and grandparents comes in evidence submitted to Parliament as part of an inquiry, which was called after an investigation by The Times into level crossing deaths.
The families claim that they were treated with indifference and incompetence and were cheated during investigations into the deaths of their children. Their evidence catalogues warnings from safety experts which they say could have saved
Olivia Bazlinton, 14, killed at Elsenham in 2005. Earlier inspection warned: "The risk of disaster is real". Network Rail fined £1 million for health and safety breaches.
Charlotte Thompson, 13, killed with Olivia. Network Rail failed to fit an alarm after the death of a pensioner in 1989. James How, 13, suffered brain damage after a train hit his grandfather’s car at a farm crossing in 2010. For 10 years, his grandfather, Richard Wright, had asked Network Rail to fit a trackside telephone.
Jean Hoggart, 56, and grandson Michael Dawson, 7, killed at Bayles and Wylies crossing, Hucknall, in 2008. Jean’s husband called for its closure.
Lindsey Inger, 13, killed at same crossing in 2012.
Katie Littlewood, 15, died on footpath crossing in Bishop’s Stortford. Even Network Rail recommended a footbridge in 2007 but it was not built.