Train strikes car at level crossing - PHOTOS

UPDATE: 10:41am

Crews have now left the scene of the incident, after assisting British Transport Police and Greater Anglia in safely transferring 55 passengers onto a replacement train.

Dave Bond, Station Manager at Waltham Abbey, said: “All agencies worked well together to minimise delays for all passengers involved.

The road is likely to remain closed for most of the day whilst an investigation takes place, so we’re urging people to avoid the area where possible.”

Crews were called to a level crossing in Frating Abbey Farm Road, Frating, after reports that a passenger train had hit a car. 

Incident Commander Dave Bond said:

"We believe the car ended up on the level crossing after skidding on some ice. The driver was then unable to move her vehicle before the next train came through the crossing. 

"Thankfully the driver escaped from her car before the train arrived, and although the train struck the car, there are no injuries to the vehicle driver, the train driver or any passengers. 

"We're now working in partnership with other agencies and waiting for instructions from the Railway Incident Officer on our next steps to clear the scene and make sure it's safe. 

"The road is likely to be closed for some time before the train can be moved so please avoid the area."

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Some of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters, who live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station and are paid to attend incidents in their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter.

Find out more about the role at essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call