Train hits vehicle at level crossing in Essex
It caused major delays on Greater Anglia services
Last updated 7th Dec 2021
Greater Anglia say a train has hit a vehicle at a level crossing at Frating Abbey Farm Road, Frating between Great Bentley and Alresford this morning (7 December).
All lines running through the stations are blocked, with services cancelled, delayed or revised until further notice.
British Transport Police say officers were called to Frating Level Crossing in Thorrington at 7.20am following reports that a train had hit a car.
British Transport Police say enquiries into what happened are ongoing.
A Greater Anglia spokesperson said:
“At around 07.20 today, the 07.05 Clacton-on-Sea to London Liverpool Street service struck a car at Frating Level Crossing, between Great Bentley and Alresford.
“Nobody was injured and the incident is being investigated. There were around 50 passengers on board, who were transferred onto another train which was taken to Colchester.
“A rail replacement bus service will run while Network Rail remain on the scene.
“Passengers should check before they travel. Anyone who was affected by the delays can claim delay repay at www.greateranglia.co.uk”
Essex Fire & Rescue Service was also called to the scene.
Incident Commander Dave Bond said:
"We believe the car ended up on the level crossing after skidding on some ice. The driver was then unable to move her vehicle before the next train came through the crossing.
"Thankfully the driver escaped from her car before the train arrived, and although the train struck the car, there are no injuries to the vehicle driver, the train driver or any passengers.
"We're now working in partnership with other agencies and waiting for instructions from the Railway Incident Officer on our next steps to clear the scene and make sure it's safe.
"The road is likely to be closed for some time before the train can be moved so please avoid the area."
Some trains are now running again (3.18pm) with a bus replacement service still covering some routes.