Paul Oliver (17) of Fearn died at the scene when the car in which he was travelling collided with the Inverness to Wick train at the open level crossing about 8.15am.

Another passenger, Alan Thain, died in hospital on Wednesday morning from serious injuries sustained in the crash. The 17-year-old apprentice joiner from Tain had been taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness before being transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He was a back seat passenger in the Ford Fiesta when it collided with the train.

His father Sandy, mother Kathleen, sister Leanne (24), and brother Derek (20) later issued a statement to the media through the police. It said: “Alan was a lively and bubbly character. He was a very promising apprentice joiner and loved his work.

“Alan was a very well-liked lad who got on well with people of all ages in and around the Tain area. He will be sorely missed by everyone.

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“We would like to take this opportunity to thank family and friends for their continued support, but we would now ask to be left in peace to deal with our tragic loss.”

A third youth, Richard Fleming, also aged 17, who is thought to have been driving the car, remains in hospital in Inverness. His condition is said to be comfortable.

The teenagers were apparently heading to classes at Inverness College before the early morning crash. Firefighters had to cut them from the wreckage.

Network Rail said the warning lights at the crossing had been functioning properly and an annual maintenance inspection had been carried out last month.

But the crash is the latest in a string of accidents and near-misses at open level crossings throughout the Highlands and has raised again the question — aren’t they inherently unsafe?

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MSP Jamie Stone said he would be raising the issue at First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood this week, and would ask the Scottish Executive to conduct an urgent review of safety at such crossings.

“Recent incidents in my constituency highlight the need for urgent action to improve safety at level crossings where there are no barriers,” said the Lib Dem MSP.

“Clearly, our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those involved in the accident at Delny last week. We should do everything we can to learn lessons from this tragedy.

“I will be raising the issue of safety at these crossings directly with the First Minister. It is important that a review of safety is now taken forward.”

Rob Gibson, nationalist MSP for the Highlands and Islands, who lives in nearby Alness, visited the scene of the accident last week. He has proposed that additional red flashing lights be installed 50 metres before such ungated crossings as an added warning to drivers.

“I spoke to Network Rail officials and the police at the scene as they completed the distressing job of clearing up the wreckage,” he said this week. “Since there are 700 of these crossings in Scotland it is no surprise that Network Rail has a campaign leaflet to remind drivers of the routine at ungated crossings.

“However, I believe more has to be done. Following other serious incidents at Halkirk, Delny and Dingwall in recent years, I have been investigating practical means to alert drivers. I believe that the Roads (Scotland) Act of 1984 can be investigated to see if powers can be taken to erect new warning lights at 50 metres. I will pursue this urgently with ministers.”

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