Train and lorry collide on level crossing near Whitland

A passenger train has been involved in a crash with a lorry and trailer carrying hay at a level crossing in Carmarthenshire.

Emergency services say three people on the Milford Haven to Manchester service suffered minor injuries near Whitland at 09:50 GMT.

Oxygen was given to one and another was treated for a head wound before they were taken to hospital.

Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) said up to 60 passengers were on board the train.

Replacement buses are running between Whitland, Milford Haven and Fishguard with all train services on the south Wales line west of Whitland being stopped.

ATW said the train involved was the 0910 Milford Haven to Manchester service.

It was not derailed in the incident and BBC Wales reporter Aled Scourfield, close to the scene, said the lorry was still upright.

He said an eyewitness said the train driver braked sharply before the collision which helped prevent more serious injuries.

The incident happened at the Llanboidy level crossing on a minor road near a spot called Crossing Cottage.

British Transport Police (BTP), Dyfed-Powys Police and paramedics were at the scene between Whitland and Henllan Amgoed.

The Welsh Ambulance Service said two ambulances and the Wales Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

Crews treated three people for minor injuries before taking them to West Wales general hospital in Carmarthen for further treatment.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue said it appeared the crossing barrier came down on the lorry before the train collided with it.

A BTP spokesman said: "An investigation is under way into the cause of the collision, including how the vehicle came to be on the tracks, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has been notified."

Engineers and rail managers have gone to assess the damage and help passengers.

Network Rail said it had sent an emergency team to the scene.

"Our priority now is to safeguard the safety of all onboard, whilst assisting the police with the investigation before we carry out any emergency repairs," said a spokesperson.

Local councillor Sue Allen said she was not aware of any accidents at the crossing before although it did feature in a television safety campaign last year.

She said: "I am deeply concerned especially as it's the holiday season and when you hear of accidents like this before Christmas.

"I am also concerned for the staff on the train. My husband and I cycle that way regularly and we do stop at the level crossing."