News

Driver survives car crashing into steam train on level crossing

Mercedes was badly damaged when it was hit by a steam train travelling at – 8MPH.

The 1912 Y14 locomotive train crashed into the silver hatchback at about 11:30am on Saturday.

It is thought the 116-year-old steam engine was travelling at around 8mph to hook up with a dining car as part of a dinner train service when it hit and crushed the car, a North Norfolk Railway spokesman said.

No one was on the train at the time of the incident except the driver and a fireman.

The driver of the Mercedes A-Class, who eyewitnesses said was a young man, is not believed to have been injured.

Police were called to the scene where they say the three men aboard the engine were unhurt.

The steam engine was travelling from Weybourne at the time of the incident but crashed on the level crossing, known as the Sweet Briar Lane crossing on the Poppy Line, near Sheringham railway station, Norfolk.

Tests were run after on the train to make sure the lights and alarms on the crossing were working.

The line and road remained blocked for a number of hours while the car was recovered and the incident cleared.

Andrew Munder, the North Norfolk Railway general manager, said: “As the train crossed the level crossing it struck a car that was driving into the main road into the golf club.

“No damage was caused to the engine or the railway infrastructure. There are no gates at the crossing but there are red flashing lights like any other level crossing and audible alarms.

“The red lights were flashing away and the alarms were sounding, the car just didn’t stop.”

PC Jon Parker was one of the officers on the scene of the incident and said on Twitter: “Currently on scene at a train vs car incident. Unsurprisingly, the train emerged the victor.

“Nobody injured fortunately but crossing to Sheringham Golf Club will be blocked for an hour or so.

“We attended to ensure the highway was cleared and will file a report. The locomotive appears undamaged.”

It is thought the motorist was heading to a nearby golf club at the time of the crash.

Howard Denner, who was at Sheringham Golf Club at the time of the incident, said: “I heard the level crossing flashing then there was a big crash.

“Everyone went out to see what had happened. The driver stepped out of his car.”

The incident has been reported to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch but it is unclear yet whether it will pursue an investigation into what happened.

 

Joe Mellor

Head of Content

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