A ‘loving’ mum who was killed after a train crashed into her car at a level crossing leaving an eight-year-old girl fighting for her life has been pictured.
Kerry Coombes, 33, died in the collision in Hoghton, Lancashire, at 8.50am on Thursday.
The train pushed the car at least 100 yards down the track, witnesses say.
Kerry, a social worker, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the girl was rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
Her family paid tribute to her today, describing her as a ‘loving daughter, sister, partner and devoted mum’.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
They said: ‘She had the biggest heart, always put other people before herself and brought so much love, laughter and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her.
‘The loss of Kerry has left a hole in our family that can never be filled. We are heartbroken and are trying to come to terms with what has happened.’
Jacqui Old, executive director of Education and Children’s Services at Lancashire County Council, said: ‘Kerry brought compassion, professionalism and a strong sense of commitment to her work, and made a real difference to people’s lives.
‘She was a valued member of the team and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and by all those who knew her.’
The British Transport Police has launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the crash.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: ‘This was a shocking and tragic incident, and our specialist officers will continue to support Kerry’s family and friends throughout this ordeal.
‘Following our initial enquiries a criminal investigation into the incident has now been launched, and I would ask the public not to speculate, as further updates will be provided in due course.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.