Posted 26th September 2011 | 3 Comments

Train and tractor drivers hurt in level crossing collision

The damaged train after the collision

(Picture from First Capital Connect)

TRAIN services between Downham Market and King's Lynn have been replaced by buses after a weekend collision between a train and a tractor, after which both drivers needed medical help.

Yesterday morning's accident involved the 10.10 First Capital Connect service from King's Lynn to London King's Cross and a tractor towing a trailer of vegetables.

The tractor driver was taken to hospital, and the train driver was treated at the scene. None of the 40 passengers on board the train were hurt.

The collision damaged the front of the train as well as two stanchions supporting the overhead lines, and Network Rail engineers have been making repairs.

The Class 365 electric unit had remained upright and in line following the collision, which occurred at Hatson's user-worked crossing on the single line section just south of King's Lynn.

Engineers are still at the crossing this morning, and a Network Rail spokesman said it was expected that train services would be restored during the day, although the train was still awaiting recovery from the scene at 09.00 on Monday.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed, and First Capital Connect warned that the damaged unit would have to stay out of service for some time. It's the second FCC Class 365 unit to have been withdrawn for repairs recently, after a previous collision at Littleport.

Reader Comments:

Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.

  • John parfitt, Stowbridge

    Nice to hear people praising the emergency services, as long as no one was injured the up side is all the crossings were open

  • Julie barton, Leicester

    I was on this train and it was very frightening. Rail staff and emergency services were brilliant, thankyou all

  • marlene ditchfield, cambridge, england

    an awkward situation but well handled by rail staff,coach replacement liason team and well informed pro driving team well done lads