Train crashes through UK level crossing

A passenger train carrying schoolchildren was involved in a level crossing accident in England today, just nine days after a …

A passenger train carrying schoolchildren was involved in a level crossing accident in England today, just nine days after a crash which claimed seven lives.

The train hit the gates of a manned level crossing at Rowston, near Sleaford in Lincolnshire, at around 8.30 a.m. this morning.

Paramedics confirmed that one person was airlifted to Lincoln County Hospital, but said no other passengers required treatment.

About 80 passengers on board, including children believed to be going to school.

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The train was not derailed and railway engineers and investigators are at the scene.

Today's incident will increase pressure on the rail industry to review level crossing procedures and equipment.

Britain has an excellent level crossing safety record, however, with fewer than one-tenth of the incidents of some European countries.

Last week's accident in Berkshire was the first in which a train passenger died in a level-crossing accident since the serious Lockington crash in Yorkshire in 1986, in which nine lives were lost.

PA