01/03/2007

One killed in level crossing collision

One person was killed when a train collided with a car at a level crossing in Norfolk.

The incident happened just before 7:30am on Thursday morning. The 6.22am from Colchester to Norwich, which was travelling around 100mph, hit a silver Vauxhall Astra at the crossing at Swainsthorpe.

British Transport Police said that one person in the car had been killed. They said that the train had remained upright and that there were no injuries on the train.

The crossing is an automatic half-barrier type which is controlled by lights.

A spokesperson for One rail company said that the train was travelling at its line speed of 100mph. He said: "The train stayed on the tracks and was able to stop about a mile-and-half beyond the crossing. Thankfully, there were no injuries to those on board."

Forty-four passengers on the train were taken on to Norwich by coach. All services between Norwich and London have been suspended.

The rail company said that it has launched an investigation into the collision, as have Network Rail and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

The incident comes just one day after the Office of Rail Regulation issued a policy statement about level crossings, saying that they represent the biggest risk of train accidents which can be fatal to passengers.

(KMcA/SP)

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