One dead as train strikes van at level crossing

An Amazon delivery driver has died in a crash involving a train and their van at a level crossing.

The train struck the vehicle at the crossing in Lower Road, Teynham, at about 12:45 BST, Kent Police said.

Police, ambulance and the fire service attended but the driver died at the scene.

Southeastern, which operates trains in the area, said it was "deeply saddened" and its thoughts were with the persons family "at this incredibly difficult time".

An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement: "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery drivers family and loved ones during this difficult time.

"We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate."

The crash has caused major disruption to rail services in Kent, with the line, between Gillingham and Faversham, closed.

A replacement bus service is in operation.

David Davidson, chief operating officer at Southeastern, said no-one else had been injured.

Passengers from the train involved were transferred onto another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel, he said.

Mr Davidson added: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died.

"Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

Steve White, Southeastern managing director, said the company was "fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened".

He said the operator was working hard to reopen the line later on Sunday and was expecting to run a full service on Monday.

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