Driver escapes unhurt in rail crash

A 67-YEAR-OLD woman motorist has escaped injury after her car went through a level crossing barrier and collided with a train.

The incident happened at 6.05am today at Datchet crossing in Berkshire. Neither the driver nor the guard on the train, which was not in service, were hurt.

A picture of the Volkswagen Golf car still blocking the crossing was posted on Twitter.

The train was travelling from Clapham in London to Windsor and Eton Riverside station where it was due to come into service.

The incident meant that South West Trains' services were unable to run between Windsor & Eton Riverside and Waterloo station in London. Buses replaced trains, with the disruption expected to last until at least 12 noon.

British Transport Police said the incident would be the subject of a Rail Accident Investigation Branch inquiry.

By Peter Woodman, Press Association