The boyfriend of a woman killed by a 50mph train after her Ugg Boot caught in a level crossing was charged with manslaughter today.

Darren Palmer, 38, is due to appear in court this morning accused of killing Kelly Mack, 29.

The mother-of-two died on March 27 after trying to cross railway tracks at Hythe Railway Station, near Colchester, Essex, while the barrier was down.

Two men tried in vain to rescue the woman as a train approached the crossing at about 50 mph, in Colchester, Essex, late last Thursday.

Police said the level crossing barrier was down and red warning lights flashing when Ms Mack started to cross.

Her foot had become trapped in a cattle grid - wooden railings which run parallel to the tracks at the edge of the crossing - said a spokesman.

Jonathan Smith, 18, a passer-by, was hailed as a hero after trying to pull her free. He managed to dislodge her foot but could not pull her free.

She was hit by the 6.38pm National Express service from Liverpool Street to Clacton, Essex, as it passed through the station. It killed her outright.

Mr Smith said: “I saw the train coming. I just thought, I’ve got to save her.

“I went through and saw she had her foot stuck at first and I grabbed her hand and got her foot out.

“I was still holding her hand when the train came.”

A British Transport Police spokesman said today: “At 11.30pm last night, Thursday, 38-year-old Darren Palmer of Clacton Essex was charge with manslaughter following the death of 29-year-old Kelly Mack at the Hyth crossing Colchester on Thursday 27 March.

“He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court this morning at 10am.”

Flowers were laid at the scene following the tragedy. Ms Mack’s friend, Jessica Salmon, 30, said: “She was lovely, really funny and a good friend. Her mum is in total shock.”

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