03.01.17
Man killed at Bedfordshire level crossing
A man has been killed this morning after a train struck his car at Marston level crossing in Bedfordshire.
British Transport Police (BTP) were called to the level crossing, near Lidlington station, just after 10am following reports that a car had been struck by a train, the 09.34 London Midland service from Bedford to Bletchley.
A BTP spokesperson said: “Officers attended alongside Bedfordshire Police and the East of England Ambulance service. However a man, believed to be the driver of the car, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
They added that at present the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious, but officers will examine exactly how the car came to be on the tracks.
Two staff members and 11 passengers, who were on board the train at the time, have been evacuated.
A team of Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) inspectors are on the site to gather evidence, but it’s not yet known if the RAIB will conduct a full investigation.
A London Midland spokesperson said the company sent its condolences to the dead man’s family and was grateful that no passengers or crew were injured.
Trains between Bedford and Bletchley will be cancelled until the end of the day, with a replacement service provided by taxis and mini buses.
Network Rail ran a campaign urging members of the public to be vigilant over Christmas as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the dangers of level crossings.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 101 of 03/01, or texting 61016.
(Image c. John Stillwell from PA Wire and PA Images)
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.