Footage shows a lorry driving towards a level crossing in the Czech Republic as the warning bell rings – before a train smashes into it
Footage shows the moment a HGV approaches a level crossing at speed as the warning bell sounds – before a train crashes into it and derails.
The lorry ploughed forward despite the train diver sounding the horn, with the front of the train smashing into the side of the cab, crushing it and sending debris flying near Chýnov in the Czech Republic at around 1.30pm on Thursday.
The force of the massive impact saw one carriage of the train derail, leaving the tracks as the train ground to a halt. The rail car eventually came to rest diagonally across the tracks, leaning to one side as smoke rose from beneath it.
The fire service rescued 25 people from the train, including 20 passengers.
The lorry driver was seriously injured in the collision while the train driver and two passengers suffered minor to moderate injuries, local authorities said.
Damage to the train has been estimated at £172,000, while damage to the railway infrastructure is estimated at £3,400. The lorry sustained damage worth around £34,000.
Vojtěch Míra, spokesperson for the South Bohemian Ambulance Service, said: “The operations centre dispatched all available ambulance crews from Tábor, along with an air ambulance helicopter.
“The man in the lorry suffered serious injuries and was conscious when he was airlifted to hospital in České Budějovice.
“Three people on the train were injured, all suffering minor to moderate injuries. Paramedics transported them to hospital.”
The accident investigation concluded shortly after 5pm that day.
The derailed carriage was lifted back onto the tracks at 7.44pm before being removed from the scene shortly after 9pm.
Rail services resumed shortly after 11pm.
