Rail crossing accident case

A young farmer was lucky to escape when the tractor he was driving was struck by a train on a level crossing near Oswestry, a court has heard.

The tractor was hit by the Gobowen to Chester Arriva Wales train on the crossing at Weston Rhyn. Steven Butler, 25, of Pentre Aaron Farm, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, denies dangerous driving, and an alternative charge of careless driving.

Mark Roberts, prosecuting, told Mold Crown Court yesterday the amber and then red flashing lights were working correctly and the barriers then came down to stop traffic. There was also an audible alarm at the time of the incident on July 19, 2008.

"The prosecution says the defendant drove a tractor and trailer on to the level crossing when it was unsafe, and dangerous to do so," he said.

Mr Roberts alleged Butler failed to see the warnings, or he ignored them, and drove the tractor onto the line.

He said as Butler's father ran to help and unhitched the trailer, the train struck the tractor.

There was a loud bang, the front and side of the train and its two carriages were damaged, and the train, which was carrying 17 passengers and two crew members, came to a stop 400 yards down the track.

"The train was damaged, the tractor was destroyed, but it was a matter of great good fortune that none of the train passengers or crew, or the defendant himself, was caused serious injury," Mr Roberts said.

Butler, who was injured, was taken to hospital by ambulance but made a full recovery.

Interviewed in August, Butler said the lights were not flashing as he approached.

He saw the barrier coming down on the other side, looked to his left and saw the barrier coming down on top of the tractor cab. Butler said he had not heard an audible alarm.

Mr David Steer QC, for Butler, said there had been concern about the undulating profile at the crossing and said since the incident work had been done on it.

He said there was no suggestion the trailer had "grounded" while crossing, but the undulations on the crossing were close to the maximum allowed.

The trial continues.

By Sue Austin