Freight train hits car on level crossing in Silverdale

The train was empty at the time of the collision

A freight train used for taking spent nuclear fuel to the Sellafield site in Cumbria hit a car on a level crossing, police said.

The vehicles travelled 300m (984ft) down the track following the crash at the New Road crossing, Silverdale, at about 19:00 GMT on Tuesday.

No one was injured but both drivers were treated for shock. The train was not loaded at the time.

Firefighters cleared the tracks to free the car, which had become trapped.

British Transport Police, Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue service were all at the scene.

A police spokesman said: "The driver of the vehicle, a 46-year-old man from near Kendal, was not in the car at the time of the collision.

"The train, which was travelling between Sellafield and Crewe, remained upright and on the tracks during the incident and the car, a silver Fiesta, was removed from the tracks.

"The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office and Rail Regulation have been informed."

Network Rail added: "No allegations have been made regarding the safe working of the level crossing."