Driver's dash saves train passengers from injury

A quick-thinking driver saved passengers from injury when he ran up a track to warn an approaching train after careering on to the line, police said today.

The vehicle came off the road on a bend and went through a fence in Norfolk, England, British Transport Police said.

A spokeswoman said the 41-year-old driver had a “lucky escape” and was not hurt, although he was “somewhat shocked”.

The 7.48pm Friday Lowestoft-to-Norwich One Anglia passenger service was just leaving Haddiscoe station when it happened, and was heading towards the vehicle.

The spokeswoman said: “Realising the serious nature of the incident the driver of the van had the presence of mind to run up the track towards the approaching train, waving a torch in order to alert the driver.”

The train driver braked and had slowed to just 5mph when it hit the van. Neither he nor the 12 passengers were injured.

“The quick thinking actions of the van driver prevented this from becoming a more serious incident which could have resulted in injury,” the spokeswoman said.

BTP officers were continuing their inquiries and the van driver was to be interviewed later.

Train services were suspended until 9.42pm on the stretch of branch line while the van was removed.