Horror at train crossing

Three people were killed today when a train travelling from Hereford to Paddington slammed into a minibus on a level crossing.

The First Great Western train hit the bus as it passed an unmanned crossing near Charlton, between Pershore and Evesham in Worcestershire.

The 7.03am express could have been travelling at up to 95mph when it struck the minibus.

It is believed the minibus contained a group of workmen. Wreckage was strewn along the track but the train did not derail. There were no injuries among anyone on board.

The level-crossing was described by Network Rail spokeswoman as "user-worked".

The driver of a road vehicle uses a trackside telephone to contact the local signaller and requests permission to cross.

If that permission is given the vehicle driver then uses a special handle to open the gate.

Once across on the other side the vehicle driver then contacts the signal controller again and closes the gate.

The latest incident will increase industry concern over the number of crashes which have taken place at level crossings. Last year a train struck a wagon carrying nuclear flasks at Dungeness.

Crash investigators began an immediate inquiry into today's tragedy.