The man behind the wheel of a vehicle that collided with a freight train at a level crossing near Albany, killing his wife, has pleaded not guilty to careless driving causing death.
Haydn Thomas Mansell was driving near Redmond, 400 kilometres south of Perth, in July last year when his Mitsubishi Triton collided with a grain train at a level crossing on Redmond-Hay River Road.
His 29-year-old wife, Cailee Mansell, who was in the passenger seat, died at the scene.
The couple’s three children were also in the vehicle and were treated for minor injuries.
Two train crew members were not physically injured but were treated for shock.
Mr Mansell appeared in Albany Magistrates Court today on one count of careless driving causing death, grievous bodily or bodily harm.
The 40-year-old only spoke briefly in court when entering his plea of “not guilty”.
The matter is scheduled for a two-day trial in October.
Police prosecutors told the court they had a list of 21 witnesses, but did not expect all would need to attend the trial.
The incident led to renewed calls for improvements to rail safety at regional level crossings, with one resident calling the Redmond crossing “horrible”.