One dead in Norfolk train crash

At least one person was killed when a rush-hour train hit a car on a level crossing at 100mph.

The accident happened around 7.25am at Swainsthorpe in Norfolk and involved the 6.22am Colchester to Norwich service.

British Transport Police said the victim was in the car that was hit and that everyone on the train is thought to be unhurt.

Inspector Chris Connell said: "There is one confirmed fatality in the vehicle and another person may have been killed.

"The train is safe and upright and there are not thought to be any injuries to those on board."

The high-speed train involved was operated by the One rail company.

One spokesman Jonathan Denby said: "The train was operating at its line speed of about 100mph and was about five or six miles south of Norwich when it struck a car on a level crossing at Swainsthorpe.

"The train stayed on the tracks and was able to stop about a mile and half beyond the crossing. Thankfully, there were no injuries to those on board. There were about 55 passengers on the train."

Mr Denby said he did not know if the crossing was a half-barrier or a full-barrier type.

The incident comes just a day after the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) issued a policy statement about level crossings, saying they represent the biggest risk of train accidents that could kill passengers.

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