Network Rail has admitted three health and safety breaches over the deaths of two girls at a level crossing in Essex, a court has heard.
Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, were killed when they were hit by a train as they crossed the tracks at Elsenham station footpath on December 3, 2005.
Lawyers said Network Rail would plead guilty to three charges under the health and safety act at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.
Chris Bazlinton, Olivia’s father, said the pleas showed that the family had “been lied to over the years”.
“It’s not over yet. I have no doubt Network Rail will change its procedures to ensure that action is taken when problems arise, and to avoid a cover-up happening again.
“We shall be watching closely to make sure that the changes Network Rail has promised to improve level crossing safety are carried out. Visions and plans are all very well, but it is putting them in place that matters.”
The crossing where the teenagers were killed was fitted with warning lights and yodel alarms.
I am glad that Network Rail has pleaded guilty to what after all are criminal charges. It proves that we have been lied to over the years. Chris Bazlinton, victim’s father
A London to Cambridge train passed over the crossing with the red lights and alarms – a warning for foot passengers not to cross. After the train passed, the lights remained on and the alarms continued to sound as another train, travelling from Birmingham to Stansted Airport in Essex, was going to pass through the station.
The girls, who were about to catch a train to go on a Christmas shopping trip, opened the unlocked wicket gates and walked on to the crossing. They were both killed when they were hit by the Stansted train.
Network Rail said it would plead guilty to failing to carry out a sufficient risk assessment, failing to properly control protective measures at the level crossing and failing to prevent the girls from being exposed to the risks which led to their deaths.
Sentencing will take place at Chelmsford Crown Court on 15 March.
The girls’ families have led long-running campaigns for Network Rail to admit fault.
Outside court, Reg Thompson, Charlotte’s father, said: “The horror of that day is always with us and the huge hole in our lives left by Charlie will never be filled.
“In the aftermath of the accident, Network Rail claimed the girls had acted recklessly and that somehow their youthful exuberance led directly to their deaths.
“I never believed that they were the architects of their own terrible end. It has taken six years to reveal the truth of what happened.”
Defence clawyers said Network Rail had already privately expressed regret and remorse for this tragedy.
“In this tragic case, Network Rail accepts that it was responsible for failings, and therefore we have pleaded guilty.
“Nothing we can say or do will lessen the pain felt by Olivia and Charlotte’s families but I have promised them that we are committed to making our railway as safe as possible.
Network Rail was also fined £3m for safety failings over the 2002 Potters Bar train crash.