Horror crash as high-speed train to London smashes into van at level crossing

A person has died in a collision between a train and a van at a level crossing in Kent, police have said. British Transport Police said the incident is currently under investigation.

Terrifying footage shows the aftermath of the van being smashed off the crossing by the high-speed train, which was reportedly bound for London. According to local media reports, an air ambulance attended the collision in Lower Road, Teynham, Kent on Sunday afternoon.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said officers were called to the line in Tonge just after 12.45pm following reports of a train striking a van.

They added: "Paramedics also attended, however, sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is currently being investigated."

The village of Tonge is between Sittingbourne and Teynham. Footage posted on social media shows smoke billowing from a fire with at least one police car and an ambulance at the scene.

Southeastern Railway confirmed a train collided with an "obstruction" on the track at Teynham, blocking the line. The company said replacement buses were running between Gillingham, Faversham, Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

In a post on X, Kent 999s said: "TEYNHAM update: A London-bound train travelling at high speed reportedly hit a van on a level crossing off Lower Road this afternoon.

"The van reportedly caught fire following the collision. Air ambulance is at scene."

A Network Rail spokeswoman said passengers were evacuated from the train and moved to another service after the collision, which happened at about 12.44pm.

She confirmed that the train was between Teynham and Sittingbourne and the emergency services were still at the scene.

Passengers were advised by the spokeswoman to check before travelling, but there didn't appear to be severe delays. Southeastern said disruption was due to continue until 6pm.

Kent Fire and Rescue was called moments later, sending four fire engines. Crews wearing breathing apparatus battled to put out the flames, according to the emergency service.

South East Coast Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.

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