AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a safety incident at a Flintshire railway crossing.

The government's rail accident investigation branch has confirmed it is looking into the circumstances of a wagon going over a user worked crossing near Bagillt last month.

A spokesman said that just after 11.55am on August 17 a passenger train passed over the level crossing shortly after a user with a heavy good vehicle had completed using it.

The Manchester Piccadilly to Holyhead service was travelling at around 75 miles per hour.

The rail accident investigation branch spokesman explained: "The private level crossing, which gives access to industrial premises, is only used by vehicles which are too tall to pass under a nearby bridge.

"The route over the crossing goes over two widely spaced tracks, and the crossing gates are 25 metres apart.

"The gates are kept locked. The crossing is fitted with telephones for users to contact the signaller and request permission to cross.

"To use this crossing, vehicle drivers must unlock and open both gates on foot, drive their vehicle over and re-close and lock both gates on foot.

"The user requested permission to cross the railway with a ‘wagon’ and the signaller, based at the Wales Railway Operations Centre in Cardiff, granted it."

The department's investigation will determine the sequence of events.

It will also include consideration of the actions of those involved, the rules and guidance for signallers relating to factors which need to be considered when giving permission for the crossing to be used, the information and guidance provided to users of private level crossings, the management of safety risk at this crossing and any relevant underlying management factors.

According to the department, there had been similar previous occurrences at this crossing, on October 31, 2017, and December 10, 2014.

At those times the level crossing was supervised by signallers based locally at Holywell Junction signal box.

The spokesman 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. This report will be available on our website."