France train crash: Woman and three children killed after car hit by train at level crossing

Four others injured in crash near commune of Avenay-Val-d’Or in Marne region

The car was hit by a train on the level crossing between Ay-Champagne and Avenay-Val-d'Or, according to reports (Google )

A woman and three children have been killed after their car was hit by a train at a level crossing in France, according to local officials.

The collision happened on Monday morning near the commune of Avenay-Val-d’Or, in the Marne region of north east France.

Twelve fire engines and 28 firefighters responded to the crash at around 9.45am.

The victims were a woman in her 30s, a ten year-old girl, and a two toddlers, a boy and a girl aged around two, French media reported.

Four others were injured and the railway passengers were evacuated to the nearby town hall.

The train driver of the train was reported to be “uninjured but extremely shocked”, according to French news site The Local.

Police have launched an investigation into the accident but it is not yet clear why the car was on the crossing.

The mayor of the commune was reportedly said the crossing was well maintained and “did not present exceptional danger”.

TER Grand Est, which runs the regional rail network, said they had suspended all traffic between Reims and Épernay for the day.