Man held after train crashes into car on level crossing

Train was carrying 39 passengers and three crew

A man has been arrested after a train carrying 42 people crashed into an empty car on a railway track leaving it a mangled wreck.

The 35-year-old is being held on suspicion of obstructing the railway after the collision at Claymills level crossing in Staffordshire, British Transport police said.

The driver of the car was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash but was found unhurt in nearby Meadow Lane in the Stretton area of Burton upon Trent on Monday evening.

Midlands Air Ambulance was deployed, along with a paramedic area support officer, three doctors the hazardous area response team and an ambulance.

The 39 passengers and three crew were all assessed by West Midlands Ambulance Service after the incident but did not require further treatment.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found the Cross Country train approximately 500 yards from the level crossing. The car involved had been destroyed by the impact, but fortunately the train hadn't derailed.”

PA