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25/11/2011
Criminal Charge Over Girls' Rail Deaths
Criminal proceedings are to be brought against Network Rail for breaches in health and safety law that led to the deaths of two teenage girls in 2005.
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said on Friday their prosecution came after their reopened investigation into the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson.
The girls were aged 14 and 13 years old, and were struck by a train at the Essex footpath crossing, operated by Network Rail, some six years ago.
Speaking on Friday, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: "After careful consideration and examination of Network Rail documents not previously seen by ORR, we have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for serious breaches of health and safety law which led to the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson at Elsenham station footpath crossing in December 2005.
"Legal papers have been lodged at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today. My thoughts are with the families of Olivia and Charlotte. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible."
The investigation, which was originally closed in May 2007, was reopened by ORR in February 2011 when a further Network Rail document was brought to ORR’s attention.
Network Rail faces two charges under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and one charge under the Health and Safety at Work.
(DW)
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said on Friday their prosecution came after their reopened investigation into the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson.
The girls were aged 14 and 13 years old, and were struck by a train at the Essex footpath crossing, operated by Network Rail, some six years ago.
Speaking on Friday, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: "After careful consideration and examination of Network Rail documents not previously seen by ORR, we have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for serious breaches of health and safety law which led to the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson at Elsenham station footpath crossing in December 2005.
"Legal papers have been lodged at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today. My thoughts are with the families of Olivia and Charlotte. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible."
The investigation, which was originally closed in May 2007, was reopened by ORR in February 2011 when a further Network Rail document was brought to ORR’s attention.
Network Rail faces two charges under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and one charge under the Health and Safety at Work.
(DW)
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