Train smashes into broken-down car at level crossing as driver escapes just in time – sparking hours of travel chaos
A DRIVER came inches from being crushed to death when a train smashed into their broken down car on a level crossing.
The lucky motorist made a quick escape at Grove Ferry crossing, near Hersden, Kent, with photographs showing the door of the crumpled wreck left flung open.
Travel chaos ensued for hours after the vehicle malfunctioned in the middle of the tracks, reported
Chilling photographs of the wreckage revealed a crumpled red Nissan Qashqai, with the driver's door still open.
The flattened debris shut down trains between Canterbury West and Ramsgate, while services were also diverted via Dover Priory.
It is understood the lines reopened at around 5.20pm, more than three hours after the smash.
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Thankfully there were no injuries.
A spokesperson for Network Rail Kent and Sussex posted on X: “We're aware of a slow speed collision between a train and a car at Grove Ferry level crossing.
“Thankfully there are no reported injuries and our front line responders are working with Kent Police and British Transport Police to remove the car from the crossing.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail added: “Earlier this afternoon, shortly before 2pm, a train collided at slow speed with a car at Grove Ferry level crossing.
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“The line was blocked between Canterbury West and Ramsgate, and the power to the electrified third rail was switched off while our front-line responders supported Kent Police and the British Transport Police in quickly and safely removing the car from the crossing and assessing the train and the level crossing for any damage.
“The car was successfully removed and the line reopened at 5.20pm, with train services having resumed and moving through the affected area at a slow speed, so there will still be some delays.
“We’ll be working over the weekend to fix the crossing and get the road reopened.
“We’re sorry to any passengers disrupted by this incident and thank them for their patience and understanding.”