Train accident news
10/12/2010

Train accident caused by lorry driver's lack of English

A Lithuanian, whose knowledge of English was poor, caused a train accident when he ignored a road sign and drove his sewage lorry over an unmanned level crossing where it was hit by the oncoming train which derailed.

Ipswich Crown Court was told the train was travelling through Suffolk at 50mph when it was involved in the lorry crash at Little Cornard, near Sudbury. The train driver braked but was unable to avoid the collision in which 19 of the 30 passengers were injured, including himself and the guard.

The driver of the 44-tonne lorry said he did not understand signs instructing people in charge of HGVs to contact the nearest signal box for clearance before crossing the railway line.

He was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for three years after he admitted endangering the safety of rail passengers.

The victims of the train accident may now seek personal injury compensation through a no win no fee lawyer from the driver or his employers for their pain, suffering and loss of earnings.