Second crossing crash teen dies

The accident happened just after 0800 GMT on Friday

The second passenger in a car which was involved in a collision with a train in the Highlands has died, police said.

Alan Thain, 17, an apprentice joiner from Tain, had been receiving treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Paul Oliver, also 17, died at the scene of last Friday's accident at Delny Level Crossing near Invergordon.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta the teenagers were travelling in has been receiving treatment at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

None of the passengers or staff on board the train were injured.

The service was travelling from Inverness to Wick when it was involved in the crash at about 0815 GMT.

Alan was a very well liked lad who got on well with people of all ages in and around the Tain area. He will be sorely missed by everyone Thain family statement

Firefighters had to cut all three teenagers from the wreckage of the vehicle.

Mr Thain was airlifted to Inverness's Raigmore Hospital before being transferred to Aberdeen.

Northern Constabulary confirmed the teenager, who was a back-seat passenger, died in hospital on Wednesday morning.

His family later issued a statement to the media through police.

It said: "Alan was a lively and bubbly character. He was a very promising apprentice joiner and loved his work.

"Alan was a very well liked lad who got on well with people of all ages in and around the Tain area. He will be sorely missed by everyone.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank family and friends for their continued support, but we would now ask to be left in peace to deal with our tragic loss."

Unmanned barrier

Richard Fleming, 17, who is thought to have been driving the car, remains in hospital in Inverness.

NHS Highland said Mr Fleming was in a "comfortable" condition at Raigmore Hospital.

The trio were reported to have been heading to classes at Inverness College before the early morning crash.

Politicians and local residents have raised safety concerns about the crossing, which has no barriers and is unmanned.

Network Rail said the warning lights had been functioning properly and an annual maintenance inspection was carried out at the crossing last month.