A driver involved in a fatal collision with a freight train at a rural level crossing has entered a not guilty plea to charges of careless driving causing death.
Details of the Crash
Haydn Thomas Mansell, 40, was behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Triton that struck a grain train on Redmond-Hay River Road near Redmond, about 400 kilometers south of Perth, in July 2025. His 29-year-old wife, Cailee Mansell, seated in the passenger side, died at the scene.
The couple’s three children, also in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment. The two train crew members escaped physical harm but sought care for shock.
Court Proceedings
Mansell appeared in Albany Magistrates Court, where he briefly entered a not guilty plea to one count of careless driving causing death, grievous bodily harm, or bodily harm. Prosecutors outlined a list of 21 potential witnesses, though not all are expected to testify.
The case heads to a two-day trial scheduled for October.
Calls for Safety Upgrades
The incident has sparked fresh demands for enhanced rail safety measures at regional level crossings. One local resident described the Redmond crossing as “horrible,” highlighting ongoing concerns.
