02/09/2009

Rail Tragedy In Wales

An elderly woman has died after a train hit a car on a level crossing.

The collision happened on the Cambrian Coast Railway at Penrhyndeudraeth near Porthmadog in Gwynedd.

The victim was believed to be in her eighties and emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to the scene shortly before noon, but couldn't save her.

Network Rail said the train involved was a test train and not carrying passengers. It was travelling from the Porthmadog direction.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "I confirm that an elderly woman had died at the scene.

"She was the sole occupant of the Fiat Punto car which was involved in the collision."

He added that three crew on the train were uninjured.

An eye witness said the test train had come to a stop about 100 yards beyond the crossing with the car in front.

Roads around the area were closed following the collision.

Trains on the Cambrian Coast Railway terminate at Harlech and Porthmadog, with bus transport being arranged between the two towns.

Network Rail said: "Network Rail are saddened by this tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family.

The local coroner and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have been informed.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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