Motorist dies after train hits car

A man has died after a car was hit by a freight train at a level crossing in Oxfordshire.

The man was one of two people in the car, which was hit at the crossing in Sandy Lane in Yarnton today.

British Transport Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. One person involved in the crash was also taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with minor injuries, while two others were treated at the scene.

A police spokeswoman said: "The train involved was a Trafford Park-to-Southampton freight service, and the driver is reported to be shaken but uninjured. Officers are working to establish the full circumstances, including how the car came to be on the tracks at the time."

The rural crossing in a quiet country lane was reportedly due to be visited by a new speed-camera van designed to catch people who attempt to beat level-crossing barriers.

The Oxford Mail newspaper reported last month that British Transport Police was rolling out the purpose-built van to crossings in the county, where drivers are known to gamble on beating the warning signals and barriers to get across before the train arrives. It would then collect video evidence for prosecutions.