Colin Duncan Whistler Cameron · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 14th February 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Colin Duncan Whistler Cameron. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 12th June 2019. The conclusion of the inquest was a hybrid conclusion of accidental death and a narrative conclusion. The medical cause of death was 1A multiple blunt force injuries to head and trunk.

Colin Cameron “Colin” was a 60 year old, who was long term authorised user of the Frampton Mansell user worked crossing. On the 7th February 2017 he used the crossing in the morning as he drove to work at his campsite. ████████ was his passenger. At approximately 1500 hours he was making the return journey crossing from the north side of the track from the Sapperton village direction, heading south towards Frampton Mansell. ████████ exited the vehicle, and opened the gates on both sides of the crossing. At 15.02 hours Colin called the signaller to request permission to cross. The signaller was aware that there was a train in the track section containing the crossing. This was a high speed train travelling from Swindon, and approaching the crossing on the down line. Colin told the signaller that a train had passed a couple of minutes earlier. No train had passed. The signaller relied upon Colin’s statement and gave permission to cross. The train driver saw Colin's vehicle enter the crossing and applied his emergency brakes. The train impacted with the vehicle at 15.03.20. Colin's vehicle was stuck under the train. The train came to a complete halt at 15.03.47. The train driver raised the alarm. Emergency services attended, and pronounced Colin deceased at 15.33 hours.

1. Whether sufficient consideration has been given to address the absence of any instructions to signallers on how to extract information from the user, and
2. Whether the relevant authorities and persons authorised to use this crossing have given sufficient consideration to whether this crossing can be closed.