Three killed in level crossing crash

Three people were killed and up to seven others seriously injured today when the minibus they were travelling in collided with a London intercity train.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Ambulance Service confirmed that the accident happened at about 8.24am at a private farm crossing in Charlton, near Evesham, Worcestershire.

A spokesman said three people had been confirmed dead at the scene while up to seven other passengers in the minibus had been injured.

The accident happened when the 7.03am First Great Western train travelling from Hereford to London hit the minibus at Pools Crossing, two miles west of Evesham station.

British Transport Police said three people in the minibus, all believed to be farm workers, were killed and that others in the minibus were injured.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "This is a crossing that is not like a normal crossing as it crosses farmland.

“Drivers of vehicles are supposed to get permission before crossing. The train is still at the scene and is not derailed. It’s not thought that anyone on the train was hurt.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “People are supposed to ring the signaller before crossing. The train had been due to stop at Evesham.”

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "The train was not derailed as a result of this incident and continued through to the next station at Evesham.

“The emergency services are responding and dealing with what are believed to be a number of injuries from those aboard the minibus.”

Train operator First Great Western confirmed the service involved was the 7.03am train from Hereford to London Paddington.

A First Great Western spokesman said one passenger on the train was slightly injured in the collision.

A Herefordshire and Worcestershire Ambulance Service spokeswoman said five ambulances were sent to the scene when the alarm was raised.

She added that the three fatally-injured people in the minibus were all found on the line itself.

The private crossing is understood to serve nearby Ryden Farm.

Drivers are instructed to use a telephone at each side of the crossing and liaise with a signalman about when to travel over the line.