Tributes for level crossing crash victim
by Nia Mason
A pensioner who was killed in a fatal level crossing crash at Sandy Lane in Yarnton in Oxfordshire has been named.
Eighty-five-year-old Thomas Pizzey from Banbury was killed on Wednesday, 2 January after a car he was a passenger in, was struck by a train.
The British Transport Police and Thames Valley Police officers were called to the incident, which was reported to them at 3.40pm.
Two men were in the car, a blue Renault Kangoo, when the collision occurred. The passenger, Mr Pizzey, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 78-year-old driver of the car was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he is being treated for his injuries. He remains in a stable condition.
Mr Pizzey's niece, Linda Mogford, paid tribute to him calling him a 'kind, generous and gentle man'.
– Linda Mogford, Mr Pizzey’s niece“My Uncle Tom was a kind, generous and gentle man and this incident has come as a great shock to all the family.
“We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support at this very difficult and sad time and extend our sympathies to those who knew Tom in Banbury.
“He will be greatly missed by his family and those who loved him and we would ask for privacy to grieve and come to terms with our loss.”
The British Transport Police and the rail industry are continuing their inquiries into what caused the accident to happen. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail Regulation have been informed, and officers are preparing a file for the Coroner.
– Detective Chief Inspector Simon Taylor, British Transport Police“The investigation into last night’s incident continues and I’d urge anyone who was at the crossing at the time or who has information to get in touch.
“Detectives will be working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances into exactly what took place, including how the car came to be on the tracks.
“I’d also like to pass my thanks to the members of the public who tended to Mr Pizzey and the driver following the incident before police arrival and the local community for their cooperation and patience on Wednesday evening.”
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background number B6/LNA of 03/01/2013.
Tragedy crossing questions remain
