A driver was lucky to escape without serious injury after crashing into a steam train on the North Norfolk railway line.
The collision happened at around 11.20am on Saturday at the crossing near Sheringham Golf Club, known as the Sweet Briar Lane crossing on the Poppy Line.
It involved a silver Mercedes, which was badly damaged, and a steam train on its way from Weybourne to Sheringham to pick up coaches of passengers as part of the dinner train service.
No one was on the train at the time of the incident except the driver and a fireman. The driver of the Mercedes, who eyewitnesses said was a young man, is not believed to have been injured.
Andrew Munder, the North Norfolk Railway general manager, said: “As the train crossed the level crossing it struck a car that was driving into the main road into the golf club.
“No damage was caused to the engine or the railway infrastructure. There are no gates at the crossing but there are red flashing lights like any other level crossing and audible alarms.
“The red lights were flashing away and the alarms were sounding, the car just didn’t stop.”
The steam engine was travelling at around 10mph at the time of the collision and tests were run after to make sure the lights and alarms on the crossing were working.
The line and road remained blocked for a number of hours while the car was recovered and the incident cleared.
Howard Denner was at Sheringham Golf Club at the time the crash happened and said: “I heard the level crossing flashing then there was a big crash.
“Everyone went out to see what had happened. The driver stepped out of his car.”
PC Jon Parker was one of the officers on the scene of the incident and said on Twitter: “Currently on scene at a train vs car incident. Unsurprisingly, the train emerged the victor.
“Nobody injured fortunately but crossing to Sheringham Golf Club will be blocked for an hour or so.
“We attended to ensure the highway was cleared and will file a report. The locomotive appears undamaged.”
The incident has been reported to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch but it is unclear yet whether it will pursue an investigation into what happened
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