Simon Gettings, a 55-year-old married father of two from Southport, died on Saturday when the supermarket delivery van he was operating was struck by a Northern train at a level crossing in Burscough, Lancashire, at approximately 15:00 BST. The collision occurred at Martin Lane, where the crossing gates were left open at the time of impact. Two passengers aboard the train sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The family of Mr Gettings released a statement describing him as the cornerstone of their lives. He had stepped away from a 25-year teaching career in Southport, Liverpool and Blackpool to dedicate more time to his loved ones.
His family meant everything to him, and he was the centre of our world, someone we could always turn to, rely on, and share life's happiest moments with. The love Simon had for his wife and children, and the bond he shared with them, was truly special.
Those close to him remembered his distinctive character and values.
He was a keen reader, with an unmatched sense of humour, justice and humanity.The family expressed the profound loss his death has created.
Simon's tragic and untimely death has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. Words cannot fully express the pain of losing someone so deeply loved, but his memory will live on through his children, the love he gave so freely, and the countless cherished moments his family shared with him. He will be missed more than words can say, and the love Simon had for his family, and the love they will always have for him, will remain with them forever.
How did the collision occur?
The crossing where the incident took place is manually operated by users, featuring two steel gates designed to block access to the railway line, along with warning lights and signage. However, residents familiar with the location reported to local media that the remote crossing was frequently left unsecured. According to reports from the investigation site, the crossing carries a high-risk classification, including designations of "high individual" and "very high collective risk."
Local people using the crossing expressed concern about its safety record. One resident told media outlets that the crossing was traditionally used by locals and farmers, though delivery drivers had begun using it more frequently in recent times.
We really hope that there will be some sort of automated gate there that can only be opened by the public… the gate is always left open and we know that because we are often down there. I have flagged it to Network Rail.
This was not the first time safety issues had been identified at this location. According to a 2007 report, a safety initiative had already been launched at Martin Lane due to motorists crossing without notifying the signaller and failing to close the gates properly. That earlier report documented five level-crossing misuse incidents that month alone, with 32 recorded since January at the same location.
What investigations are underway?
British Transport Police launched an inquiry into the circumstances of the collision, with a spokesman stating that
enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and BTP has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch sent inspectors to the Burscough site and indicated it will determine whether to initiate a full investigation after evaluating the initial evidence gathered. Network Rail announced it will conduct an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with that review to follow the conclusions of the wider industry investigation.
The railway line between Wigan and Southport remained closed more than 24 hours after the collision while investigators continued their work at the scene.
What safety improvements are being considered?
Following the fatal collision, a local councillor has called for additional warning signs to be installed near the crossing to enhance safety for road users. The incident has renewed focus on the long-standing concerns about this particular crossing's operation and the risks posed by manually operated level crossings where gates can be left open.
What happens next?
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch will make a determination on whether to launch a full investigation after completing its review of the evidence collected at the site. Network Rail's internal review will follow the findings and recommendations emerging from the broader industry investigation into the collision.
Key Facts
- Simon Gettings, 55, was killed when his delivery van was struck by a Northern train at Martin Lane crossing in Burscough on Saturday at 15:00 BST
- The crossing is manually operated with steel gates, warning lights and signs, but was left open at the time of the collision
- The crossing carries a high-risk safety classification and had been the subject of a safety initiative since 2007 due to previous misuse incidents
- Two train passengers sustained minor injuries in the collision
- British Transport Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Network Rail are all investigating the incident
