Van Smashes Through Level Crossing Barriers, Causing Rail Disruption

A “significant incident” involving a van crashing through the barriers at a level crossing caused widespread disruption to rail services on Tuesday morning. The vehicle reportedly smashed through the gates just before 06:30 BST, leading to a reduced service on the line. National Rail has advised passengers to check their journey details before travelling as disruptions are expected to continue until at least 14:00 BST.

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The incident occurred at a level crossing, a point where a railway line crosses a road or path at the same level. These crossings are equipped with barriers and warning lights to ensure the safety of both road users and rail passengers. However, in this instance, the van breached the safety measures, resulting in damage to the crossing equipment and a halt to train services.

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Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the crash. While the driver’s condition has not been released, the primary concern raised by the owner of a dog named Reggie, who was reportedly in the van at the time, was the safety of the animal. Fortunately, both the driver and the dog were unharmed.

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National Rail has issued a statement urging all passengers to check their travel plans. “A reduced service is expected to run until about 14:00 BST,” a spokesperson said, highlighting the ongoing impact of the incident on train operations. The damaged barrier has been removed from the track, but repairs and safety checks will take time, contributing to the extended disruption.

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This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations at level crossings. Drivers are always advised to wait for the barriers to lift and to ensure the track is clear before attempting to cross.