Three killed in rail collision

Three killed in rail collision

Three killed in rail collision

Three people have died in a collision between a First Great Western train and a minibus.

The train, travelling from Hereford to London, collided with the minibus on an unmanned level crossing near Charlton, Worcestershire.

First Great Western has announced that the train involved in the collision was the 7:03am from Hereford to London, and services are likely to be disrupted for some time to come.

The three people killed were in the minibus, which was carrying a group of migrant workers doing seasonal work picking spring onions. Those killed are believed to have been Iraqi Kurds

Several of the other passengers in the minibus were injured and one casualty has been airlifted to hospital in Birmingham.

No one on the train sustained any serious injury.

The private crossing is at a farm near Charlton, between Pershore and Evesham, on the main line between Hereford and Paddington.

Although the crossing is unmanned, drivers are expected to telephone the signalman using the provided line so as to ensure that the track is clear before crossing. It is still being investigated as to whether such a call was made.

The train itself did not derail, though it received some damage to its front and one of its doors. It has been moved to Eversham station a couple of miles away, and is likely to stay there for some time.

First Great Western’s managing director, Chris Kinchin-Smith said: “We would like to extend our sympathies to the families of the minibus passengers.

“We will co-operate fully with investigations into the cause of the incident which will look at all aspects including how the minibus came to be on the railway line.

Around 220 customers were on board the service.