Passenger train collides with van on level crossing

Jun 4 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A PASSENGER train collided with a delivery vehicle in Northumberland during yesterday’s evening rush hour.

It happened on a level crossing at 5.30pm a quarter of a mile from Bardon Mill Station.

All 45 passengers on board the 16.24 Northern Rail service from Newcastle to Whitehaven were uninjured during the collision.

The driver of the van, belonging to delivery service DHL, was in his 20s and was taken to Hexham General Hospital with minor injuries to his arm.

Paramedics called to the scene also treated the driver of the train for shock.

An investigation has now been launched by the British Transport Police and Network Rail.

It is believed the driver of the vehicle gained access to the track by a self-operated gate.

Last night one villager said: “We understand that the driver was taken to hospital and he appeared to have a minor graze on his arm, he looked pretty shaken.

“It is just lucky that nothing more serious happened, so for that we have to be thankful.”

Four fire crews from Hexham, Haydon Bridge and Haltwhistle arrived at the scene with an ambulance and community paramedic. An air ambulance was also on call but not required. The line was suspended between Hexham and Carlisle in both directions for two hours while investigations were carried out.

Commuters were offered a replacement bus service.

A spokesman for Northern Rail said last night: “The incident involved the 16.24 Newcastle to Whitehaven service, which was in collision with a road vehicle.

“The emergency services attended the incident, although no serious injuries were reported.

“Alternative travel arrangements are in operation between Hexham and Carlisle and Northern Rail and Network Rail worked to resume normal service as quickly as possible.

“There will be a full investigation into the cause of the incident, involving Network Rail, Northern Rail and the British Transport Police.”

Sgt Steve Szrok, of the British Transport Police, said: “The incident could have been a lot more serious and fortunately no one was seriously injured. There are controls in place, the driver has to follow instructions to establish whether it is safe to cross. ”

A spokeswoman for DHL said: “The police and DHL are currently conducting a full investigation into this incident and until this is complete, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”