Train hits van on unguarded crossing

Two people were injured yesterday, one thought to be seriously, when their van collided with a train at a level crossing.

Two people were injured yesterday, one thought to be seriously, when their van collided with a train at a level crossing.

The incident occurred just before 11am in Wainfleet, near Skegness in Lincolnshire, and involved Central Trains' 7.45am service from Blythe Bridge in Staffordshire to Skegness. Police said the level crossing did not have gates or fences and operated with a lights system.

The train was not derailed and none of its 80 passengers was hurt but the train driver was treated for shock.

A man and a woman in the van were taken to the Pilgrim Hospital, in Boston, Lincolnshire. A police spokesman said: "The man's injuries are not thought to be life threatening, he is suffering head injuries and injuries to his limbs.

"The woman has been transferred to the hospital by air ambulance and though there are no details about the severity of her injuries, she appears to be the most seriously injured of the two."