Rail crash in Somerset

One person has been killed after a train ploughed in to a car on a level crossing in Somerset.

The crash happened at around 6.30am on the line between Taunton and Castle Cary.

Early reports suggested the car weaved around falling barriers in a bid cross the tracks in front of the train, in Athelney.

Operater First Great Western said no passengers on the train were injured in the incident this morning (Thursday).

Severe delays hit the service as a result. A rail replacement bus service was put in action between Taunton and Westbury.

Network Rail spokesman John Baker said: "The 0526 train from Exeter St Davids to Paddington has hit a car on the automatic half-barrier level crossing in Athelney - there is one fatality."

Stanmoor Road, which the railway line traverses, was closed in both directions at the Cuts Road Juction.

Half barrier crossings consist of one barrier on either side of the road, leaving space for vehicles to weave through them across the tracks.

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