Inquiry into train driver's death

Mr Crouch was described as a very experienced driver

Safety experts have begun an investigation at a miniature railway after a train driver was killed in a crash at a level crossing.

Kevin Crouch, 31, from Mottingham in London, died when the miniature steam train he was driving hit a car near Dymchurch in Kent on Sunday morning.

The woman driver of the Ford Escort car and her baby suffered only minor injuries as did about 20 passengers who were travelling on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway.

Kent Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the crash, which happened at 1127 BST at the crossing on Burmash Road.

I think they should have barriers put up there and gates on it to stop the cars misjudging the lights or whatever they do Resident Sharon Dewey

The miniature railway crosses local roads at 11 different places - but there are no automatic safety barriers at any of them.

Neighbours said the crossing lights, which flash to warn of an approaching train, were working at the time of the accident.

It was the second collision between a car and a train to happen in Burmash Road in two years.

Resident Sharon Dewey said: "It has happened before so personally I think they should have barriers put up there and gates on it to stop the cars misjudging the lights or whatever they do."

'Money is a factor'

But Terry Preston, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Shepway District Council, said the cost of installing gates could be prohibitive.

He said: "I'm sure that in an ideal world barriers at all the crossings would be a very great advantage.

"But to put gates at this crossing - what about all the others? Money is a factor."

Danny Martin, general manager of the 75-year-old railway, said he would not comment on the cause of the crash.

He paid tribute to Mr Crouch as an experienced and sensible driver.

A company spokesman had said there were flashing lights at each crossing along the 13 miles of track but no gates, leaving motorists responsible for crossing safely.

The steam engine and the front carriage derailed in the accident, which left Mr Crouch trapped in his cab.

About 50 passengers walked away from the train relatively unscathed.