One dead after train 'with dozens of passengers onboard' ploughed into van at level crossing before vehicle 'burst into flames'

Daily Mail​

21 hours ago

A person has died after a train 'with dozens of passengers onboard' ploughed into a van on a level crossing at 'high speed' before the vehicle 'burst into flames'.
The train is understood to have hit 'an obstruction on the track' at Lower Road in Teynham, Kent, at around 12.40pm today, according to Southeastern Railway.
One eyewitness claimed that the train was travelling at 90mph when the collision occurred, with the van reportedly catching fire following the crash.
While paramedics and emergency services attended, one person was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, British Transport Police have said.
The force also confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the 'high speed' crash are not believed to be suspicious.
One passenger allegedly onboard the train took to Facebook to report that they had seen the train 'just hit a van head on'.
Southeastern Railway Services confirmed that a train was involved in a collision with a van at the level crossing earlier this afternoon and they were 'still waiting on confirmation of the severity of the incident'.
In a statement, David Davidson, Chief Operating Officer for the service, added: 'We are working with the emergency services and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch following this incident.
One passenger allegedly onboard the train took to Facebook to report that they had seen the train 'just hit a van head on'
'Passengers on the train involved have been transferred onto another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel.
'We are working with RAIB to understand the cause of this incident and to work to reopen the line for customers as soon as possible.'
South East Ambulance Service and Kent Fire & Rescue Service are also understood to have attended the scene.
Disruption to travel between Canterbury East and London Victoria lasted until around 6.pm, with patrols still in attendance where they are assisting BTP officers.
Replacement buses continue to run between Gillingham and Faversham, alongside Sittingbourne and Sheerness. Valid tickets are being accepted on Southerneastern high speed trains, Thameslink and Fast Track buses between Gravesend and Ebbsfleet.
Passengers on the train quickly took to social media to alert Southeastern Railway of the hot conditions onboard earlier today.
'Any chance you can turn on the AC?' one passenger asked. 'It's getting boiling on this train'.
Another wrote: 'Are passengers going to be let off the train? The train is getting very warm and passengers are feeling unwell.'
Passengers on the train quickly took to social media to alert Southeastern Railway of the hot conditions onboard
'A plan is being worked on to allow passengers to exit as soon as possible,' Southeastern Railway replied. 'However, we don't have an exact time for when that will be.'
Steve White, the Managing Director of Southeastern Railway, said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died. Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
'No one else was injured in the incident.
'We are working hard to reopen the line later this evening and expect to run a full service tomorrow.
'We are fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened.
'I'd like to thank the emergency services, our rail colleagues and the RAIB for their swift and professional response — and also our passengers, particularly those on the train involved and others affected by the disruption, for their patience and understanding.'
Steve White, the Managing Director of Southeastern Railway, wrote on X: 'The @Se_Railway is closed near Teynham following a train hitting a van on a level crossing'
On X earlier today, Mr White wrote: 'The @Se_Railway is closed near Teynham following a train hitting a van on a level crossing.
'Replacement buses are operating between Gillingham & Faversham and Sheerness & Sittingbourne.
'We are working with the emergency services.'
A spokesperson for Kent Police confirmed that they were called at 12.43pm 'to a report of a collision involving a train and a van at a level crossing in Lower Road, Teynham'.
They continued: 'Patrols are currently at the scene where they are assisting officers from the British Transport Police.
'South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service also attended.'
South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.