One person dead after car hit by Exeter to London train
Update 4pm: The earlier collision between the Exeter to London Paddington train is causing disruption between Taunton and Castle Cary. The line has reopened and trains are able to run, however, there may be delays of up to 30 minutes to journeys between Taunton and Westbury. These delays will continue until approximately 16:30.
Update: Senior Fire Commander at the scene, Group Manager Paul Cregan, said: "This incident was a significant challenge causing a number of dangerous and difficult circumstances for our Fire & Rescue crews. The train struck the vehicle and then carried it along the tracks eventually stopping over a mile from the crossing. Firefighters had to run to the scene carrying firefighting and rescue equipment to deal with the person trapped in the car, deal with the very real risk of a fire occurring as well as dealing with nearly 40 people on the train in terrible weather conditions. Each member of the emergency services did their task exceptionally well and together, as a multi agency team, we resolved the incident thankfully without significant injury or disruption to those involved.”
Incident Commander Mark Andrews said: "Our Fire & Rescue crews from Taunton, Bridgwater, Street, Middlemoor , Wiveliscombe, Wellington and Burnham worked exceptionally hard under difficult conditions to deal with the incident. Without their quick response and that of our emergency service partners, the incident could have been much worse. My thanks go to our Police colleagues in Avon & Somerset Constabulary, British Transport Police and South Western Ambulance Service as well as the local community for their work, support and patience during this incident.”
Update: The fire service has fire appliances and special appliances at the scene from Taunton (four), Bridgwater (three), Middlemoor Exeter, and support appliances from Street and Wincanton. Firefighters have now removed the vehicle from the front of the train using hydraulic cutting equipment. Crews are still at the scene assisting other emergency services and rail operators.
Earlier: First Great Western are reporting delays to train services today after the 5.46am Exeter to London Paddington train hit a car on a level crossing in Somerset, killing the male driver of the car. First Great Western report there are no further injuries among train passengers. Eye witnesses reported that the barriers were lowered and the car was seen to drive onto the crossing. Transport Police and emergency services are currently at the scene, where the car is trapped under the front of the train and services are currently stopped in the area.
An estimated 40 passengers were aboard the nine-carriage train.
The crossing is near Athelney, which is on the line between Taunton and Castle Cary.
Because of this, a very limited bus service is running between Taunton and Westbury, journey times may be extended by up to 90 minutes. There is no current estimate for when a normal service will resume.
First Great Western customers travelling between London Paddington and Exeter are advised to travel via Bristol Temple Meads.
A limited bus service is replacing trains between Taunton and Castle Cary.
Trains between London Paddington and Plymouth / Penzance are diverted via Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads, extending train times by up to 30 minutes.
No trains will be calling at Pewsey. Passengers for Pewsey should use a shuttle bus between Pewsey and Swindon, to connect with trains at Swindon.
Journey times will be extended by up to 90 mintues
