Man airlifted with life‑threatening injuries after train hit car at Sandwich level crossing

A man has suffered life-threatening injuries after his car was hit by a train at a level crossing. Police have launched a probe into the devastating crash[1], which happened at Richborough near Sandwich at around 4.32pm yesterday (March 10).

The Richborough Road level crossing, near Sandwich, was blocked after a train and car collided

The driver was airlifted to a London hospital for emergency treatment while the police worked to establish how the vehicle came to be on the tracks. A spokesperson for the force said this morning: "Officers were called to the line near Sandwich at 4.32pm yesterday (10 March) following reports that a train had struck a car at a level crossing in Richborough.

"Officers attended, alongside paramedics, and a man was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. "There were no other injuries reported, and enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to the collision."

A man is in a critical condition after a train and car collided at the Richborough Road level crossing, near Sandwich

Following the crash, power was switched off to allow emergency services safe access to the railway, and trains to London St Pancras were cancelled. Janet Jenkins, from Minster, who was travelling on the train to watch Dover Athletic FC, described hearing a "mighty bang".

"We were stuck on the train for an hour and a half before being let off," she said.

"The train was going towards Dover, there was a mighty bang, the train slammed on its brakes - we thought someone had run out."

An air ambulance.

Picture: Blue Light Media

In a public statement at the time, Sandwich councillor Dan Friend said: "A resident who was on board the train described a sudden emergency stop from speed after a loud impact. "The driver later informed passengers that a vehicle had gone into the side of the train at the crossing. "Kent Police are now in attendance."

Rail operator Southeastern announced the line was clear at 2am this morning. A spokesperson added: "There was an incident yesterday evening at one of our level crossings in Sandwich. "Emergency services attended the scene, and the driver of the car was taken to hospital.

All lines have now reopened."

References

1. ^ the devastating crash (premium.kentonline.co.uk)