Tributes to two killed on Grimsby level crossing

Paul Hodge, 47, from Grimsby, the driver of the Volvo car, was pronounced dead at Great Coates level crossing on Tuesday. His passenger, David Williams, 40 and from Cleethorpes, died on the way to hospital by ambulance.

The passenger train was travelling at 60mph when it ploughed into the vehicle.

Mr Hodge’s family said in a statement: “Paul was a loving father, grandfather, son and brother and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

“He was born in Grimsby and returned here after leaving the Forces. He was an avid football fan and followed Manchester United. He also served with the First Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Paul worked as a transport driver at South Killingholme.”

David Williams’ fiancee Carolyn Woodward said: “I am so devastated at the loss of my most gorgeous partner Dave. He was my rock, my best friend, the most caring man I have ever known. He loved family life and was devoted to the grandchildren.

“We only moved to the area last January from Blackpool and Dave loved it here. He enjoyed working at the Immingham Docks and made a lot of very special friends. He was a very friendly person, everyone loved Dave. We thought we would have a lot more years together.”

Det Insp Mick Jackson of British Transport Police, said: “We continue to keep an open mind and investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.”

The train, the 7.26pm TransPennine Express service from Cleethorpes to Scunthorpe, remained upright and on the tracks and passengers were evacuated safely.

Nicola Maasdam, chairwoman of Great Coates Village Council, said residents would be in “shock”.

“It’s absolutely tragic and our thoughts go out to the families of those people who have lost their lives,” she said.

“There will be shock. It’s such a small village and we haven’t had an incident on the railway for years and years, and for something as serious as this, it is really upsetting.”