Shocking photos show the moment a train collided with a car at a level crossing bringing rail services to a grinding halt in Kent.
Pictures from National Rail show the crumpled wreckage of a red car under the barrier at the Grove Ferry level crossing, near Hersden, just outside Canterbury, shortly before 2pm today.
Train services between Canterbury West and Ramsgate were halted as electricity to the line was turned off as emergency crews responded to the collision.
The line was reopened around 5.20pm this evening (Fri), however there are likely to still be some delays.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Earlier this afternoon, shortly before 2pm, a train collided at slow speed with a car at Grove Ferry level crossing.
“The line was blocked between Canterbury West and Ramsgate and the power to the electrified third rail was switched off while our front-line responders supported Kent Police and the British Transport Police in quickly and safely removing the car form the crossing and assessing the train and the level crossing for any damage.
“The car was successfully removed and the line reopened at 5:20pm, with train services having resumed and moving through the affected area at slow speed, so there will still be some delays. We’ll be working over the weekend to fix the crossing and get the road reopened.”
“We’re sorry to any passengers who were disrupted by this incident and thank them for their patience and understanding.”
Southeastern trains, which operates the line released a statement, earlier today saying all lines had been blocked between Canterbury West and Ramsgate.
The firm said: “We’ve received information about a collision at a level crossing near Minster, blocking all lines between Canterbury West and Ramsgate. Emergency services and response staff are on site.
“Trains are unable to run between Ashford International and Ramsgate via Canterbury West. Some high Speed trains which usually run via Canterbury West are diverted to run via Dover Priory.
“Please allow extra time to complete your journey and check before you travel. We are attempting to source replacement buses and will confirm once these are in place.”
Southeastern said passengers could use alternative Stagecoach buses between Ramsgate, Canterbury, Ashford and Dover (routes 1X, 8. 8A and the Loop) and the London Underground between the terminal stations.
Elsehwere in the country, commuters in parts of England faced disruption on road and rail services with social media images showing tracks at a train station in Shropshire completely submerged and abandoned cars on an empty motorway in Gloucestershire.
An amber rain warning issued by the Met Office for areas of the Midlands and the south of the country, and a separate yellow rain warning for large parts of England and Wales, both ended on Friday.
But the Met Office on Friday has now issued a further yellow weather warning of strong winds which may cause disruption across the south west of England and Wales on Sunday.
Winds will strengthen from west to east during Sunday, with gusts of 50-55 mph likely in places, exceeding 60mph in the most exposed areas. The Met Office said this will be accompanied by outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, which could lead to some surface water and spray.
Winds will gradually ease across Wales and inland parts of south west England through Sunday evening and night, but it may remain fairly windy along some coasts of southern and south-western England during Sunday night.
Some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves, with some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport likely, along with disruption to bus and train services.