10 Injured As Train Hits Tractor At Level Crossing In Norfolk

A tractor driver has been airlifted to hospital and nine other people injured after his vehicle was hit by a train on a level crossing.

The train was carrying 135 passengers when it crashed into the tractor in Roudham, near Thetford, Norfolk, yesterday.

Three people were taken to West Suffolk hospital and seven to Norfolk and Norwich hospital.

Reports say the driver of the tractor, 31, was taken by to the hospital by helicopter with serious injuries. None of the passengers are believed to have life-threatening injuries.

Project manager Alex Youngs, 30, was on his way back to London after visiting family in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

The tractor driver was airlifted to hospital (SWNS)

He said: “We were travelling along and all of a sudden heard this almighty bang and the train started shuddering as if it was about to derail.

"There was glass everywhere and suitcases flying. We finally screeched to a halt. It felt like forever but it took maybe five to 10 seconds before we came to a halt.

"It was a huge impact. We thought we were going to derail and tip over.

"When we came to a stop there were a few people who were clearly really shaken. Luckily, there was a guy from Network Rail on board who took charge.

"The conductor and driver were the heroes."

The 12.03 Norwich to Cambridge service had 135 passengers on board (SWNS)

Passengers Martin Monkhouse and Tristian Leuw were on their way to Stansted Airport to fly to Malaga on holiday when they heard a loud bang.

Mr Monkhouse said: "There was a sudden brake and then a bang. We started to get off the train and the conductor shouted to us to get back on. There was glass shattering everywhere and there was smoke.”

Mr Leuw added: “There was a moment where I didn’t know whether we were going to live or die. I just hope the tractor driver is alright.”

Police, fire and ambulance were all called at 12.30pm.

In a statement, a spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “Shortly after 12.30pm today Sunday, 10 April 2016 a train collided with a tractor at Hockham Road level crossing, Roudham in Norfolk.

"Two men, the train driver and the driver of the tractor, have been taken to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for treatment.

"The driver of the tractor was taken by air ambulance having sustained serious, although not life-threatening, injuries.

No one is thought to have life-threatening injuries (SWNS)

"The train driver’s injuries are not thought to be serious.

"The train – which was extensively damaged remained on the tracks – was the 12.03 Norwich to Cambridge service with 135 passengers on board.

It added: “A joint British Transport Police and Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigation is now underway."