Railway reopens after fatal crash

The train derailed trapping the driver, Kevin Crouch, in his cab

A miniature railway reopened on Tuesday after one of its drivers was killed in a crash at a level crossing.

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway was shut on Sunday after a train with 50 passengers hit a car at a crossing near Dymchurch.

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

Mr Crouch, 31, of Mottingham, south east London, died at the scene.

I think it is fair to say that if they had found anything wrong then we would not have allowed to reopen Railway spokesman

The woman driver of the blue Ford Escort and her baby daughter along with 20 of the train passengers suffered minor injuries.

An investigation by Kent Police is continuing to decide if criminal charges should be made in relation to the crash which happened on the crossing at Burmarsh Road at 1137 BST.

Officers from the Health and Safety Executive visited the accident site on Monday.

A railway spokesman said on Tuesday: "The entire network is reopening today.

Mr Crouch was described as a very experienced driver

"We had people from the railway inspectorate here all day yesterday checking all the signals.

"I think it is fair to say that if they had found anything wrong then we would not have allowed to reopen.

"The mood on the railway is fine. Kevin will be sorely missed. He was a very nice chap, but we felt we must get the railway going again."

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

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

Messages have been sent from all over the world in support of the 13-mile railway which was established in 1927.

A book of condolence for Mr Crouch, who had become an employee of the company this year after driving as a volunteer, has been opened at the railway's head office in New Romney.