Rail Deaths - Prosecution Planned

A prosecution is being brought against Network Rail over the deaths of two teenage girls heading out on a Christmas shopping trip in December 2005.

Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, died when they were hit by an express train at a level crossing in Elsenham, Essex. They were on their way to do some shopping in Cambridge.

The father of one of the girls said the Office of Rail Regulation was planning to lodge charges over the deaths. Chris Bazlinton said a senior prosecutor would lodge the summons at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Mr Bazlinton said the families "never felt that we had heard the whole story". He added there seemed to be "unanswered questions" from various inquiries which were held in the year after the girls died.

Network Rail Chief Executive David Higgins said that since the accident there had been a major programme to update the assessments of 7,000 level crossings - improving risk management and safety. He added that the company had closed more than 500 crossings since 2009.

The first hearing is due to take place at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in Essex on 31 January 2012.