PARAMEDICS have freed both passengers- a man and his wife in their 70s- from their campervan after it ploughed into the side of a train on a level crossing on the A10 at Littleport bypass.

The elderly couple, returning from holiday, are both now in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge: the woman was trapped for nearly two hours.

“We have just spoken to Dr Bowles from Magpas’ Helimedix team,” said a Magpas spokesman.

“The team are currently on route to Addenbroookes Hospital with both patients involved in the incident.

“The Magpas Helimedix team assessed both patients at the scene, helped get them out of their vehicle and administered pain relief. The man has a serious injury to his foot and is on his way to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, by land ambulance in a stable condition; his wife is with him (accompanied by the Helimedix).”

None of the 37 passengers on the train were injured.

The team Magpas team of Dr Fiona Bowles and volunteer paramedic Mr Dan Read flew to scene at 5pm by Magpas and police helicopter from RAY Wyton. .

The camper van ploughed into the second coach of the 1615 train to Downham Market. The accident happened as the camper van was travelling along the unmanned automatic half barrier level crossing the A10 Littleport by pass.

Buses have replaced trains between Ely and Downham Market and there will be a shuttle train service onwards to Kings Lynn.

Roads in the area have become gridlocked as emergency services work to free injured passengers in the car.

A Cambs County Council spokesman confirmed they were helping with diversions: some traffic was being diverted along the route of the old A10. Commuters were stuck further down the A10 as an over turned lorry was recovered just south of Downham Market.

A spokesman for First Capital Connect, which runs train services between King’s Lynn and London, said: “I can confirm at this time that there has been a collision between a train and a road vehicle.

“It was the 16:15 from Cambridge to Downham Market.”

The collision is believed to have occurred at around 4.40pm.

A statement on the train company’s website added: “Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Littleport and Downham Market. Because of this, trains are currently unable to run between Ely and Kings Lynn.

“There is no alternative transport at this time. There is no estimate as to when trains will be able to resume.”