An investigation into a fatal Hoghton level crossing crash has found that warning lights, alarms and barriers may not have been activated prior to the crash.
Kerry Coombes, 33, died after a crash involving a train and a car at the crossing in Station Road, Hoghton, on Thursday, June 25.
An investigation was launched by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) after the fatal crash, alongside a criminal police investigation.
The early evidence available to the RAIB suggests that the train had passed a green (proceed) signal as it approached the crossing, the investigator said.
The RAIB’s preliminary examination also found the road traffic lights and audible alarm at the crossing had not been activated, and that the half-barriers were raised when the train passed.
Ms Coombes' vehicle was struck by the 7.51am Northern service from Colne to Preston as it passed through Hoghton at 8.48am.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, while her eight-year-old daughter, who was also in the car, was seriously injured and taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
No one on board the train was injured.
The RAIB's report said: "Hoghton level crossing is equipped with road traffic lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians, both of which are designed to activate automatically as trains approach.
"A short time after the lights and alarm activate, half-barriers at both sides of the crossing will automatically lower, to block the left-hand side of the road.
"RAIB’s preliminary examination also found that the road traffic lights and audible alarm at the crossing had not been activated, and that the half-barriers were raised."
The investigation is set to continue. This will examine the sequence of events leading to the crash, including the actions of those involved, any previous incidents at the Hoghton crossing, risk management practices, and any relevant underlying factors.
The report added: "Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
"We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation."
The Hoghton crossing uses an automatic half-barrier system, designed to activate without manual input as trains approach.
According to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch's annual report, there was one instance of a train-road vehicle collision at a level crossing in 2025, which was down to signaller error.
Mr Davies' petition said: “On June 25, a devastating collision at Station Road Level Crossing, Hoghton claimed the life of Kerry Coombes and left her young daughter with life-threatening injuries.
“While the circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, one fact is beyond dispute: whenever roads and railways cross, there is the potential for tragedy.
“Having looked at the local road network, it is difficult to understand why this level crossing remains necessary when the nearby A675 already provides the main route through the area.
"Station Road appears to serve primarily as a local cut-through, yet it requires motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to cross an active railway line.
“This petition is not about assigning blame or prejudging the outcome of any investigation. It is about preventing another family from experiencing the unimaginable.”
The British Transport Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information who has yet to speak to officers to get in touch.
This can be done by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 152 of June 25.
Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The British Transport Police and Lancashire County Council have been contacted for comment.
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