Crossing cited in rail line death

The crash happened near Limavady

An investigation into a fatal crash between a tractor and train near Limavady has found the design of a crossing may have been partly to blame.

Tractor driver James Craig, 70, died in the crash at an unmanned crossing on the Carrowclare Road in August 2007.

It has now been redesigned by Northern Ireland Railways.

The report also found that Mr Craig's view of the train may have been obscured by the sun and the tractor's roof support pillar.

It suggested the farmer may have lost concentration as he approached the crossing.

The train was travelling at about 33 mph as it approached the crossing and the driver repeatedly sounded the horn as he approached the tractor.

Farmer James Craig died in the crash

He suffered shock and was taken to hospital after the crash.

None of the 65 passengers or the conductor were injured and while the train was damaged, it did not derail.

A number of other recommendations were made by the report.