Three ‘serious’ after train hits car in South Yorkshire

Police said a train hit the car at the Beech Hill crossing on Springs Road, Finningley, near Doncaster, at 12.35 pm.

A spokeswoman said the two injured people were in the car and no-one was hurt on the train.

The spokeswoman said: “BTP officers were called to the rail line at Beech Hill crossing, Spring Road, Finningley, South Yorkshire, following a report of a train striking a car.

“The incident was reported to BTP at 12.35pm. Emergency services are on scene and handling the incident.

“It is believed the two occupants of the car, a woman and a child, were seriously injured. The child has since been airlifted to hospital.

“The train, a Lincoln to Doncaster service, is damaged but has remained upright and on the tracks. Passengers have been removed from the train and there are no reports of injuries at this time.

“Officers are working to establish more specifics about the incident and will provide updates as soon as any further information is available.”

Wroot Road, Finningley, is closed both ways between B1396 Bank End Road and the Gatesbridge Park junction.

An East Midlands Trains spokesperson said: “The incident happened at approximately 12.35 and involved the 11.54 East Midlands Trains service from Lincoln to Doncaster.

“The train remained upright on the tracks at all times.

“Our first priority and thoughts are for those involved in the incident. Our staff ensured that passengers were safely escorted from the train and these passengers will be taken forward to Doncaster by alternative road transport.

“We will work with Network Rail and the British Transport Police to ensure those involved in this incident are given every assistance.”

The spokesman added that a bus service is operating on the affected route between Lincoln and Doncaster.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has begun working with police to investigate the crash.

An ORR spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with those injured in this incident.

“ORR is attending Beech Hill crossing near Finningley, South Yorkshire, and is working with the British Transport Police, Network Rail and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the causes of this incident.”