FIREFIGHTERS are still on the scene at a Silverdale level crossing after a train dragged a car 300m down the track.

Press officer for the service, Richard Edney, said that specialist equipment was being used to release the car, which had become stuck underneath the train after the vehicles collided.
They travelled 300m before coming to a halt.

Crews have now been at the Slackwood level crossing, on New Road, for nearly four hours, with up to 35 firefighters attending, including an Urban Search and Rescue Team from Chorley.

It is believed that the driver of the car, and its passengers, got out of the vehicle before it was struck. The driver of the empty freight train was unhurt, but being treated for shock.

Mr Edney said: “The purpose of us being there is to clear the track to ensure that it can open again as soon as possible.

“Part of the car had gone underneath the train so our crews are working to move the train to release the vehicle.

“I imagine we will be there for some time – it is a big operation. Firefighters are using a specialist trolley to pull equipment, which is quite heavy, along to the incident.”

British Transport Police (BTP) arrived on the scene with Lancashire Police and the fire service at around 7.10pm.

A spokesperson for BTP said: “No-one has been injured and the train remained upright. Officers are now working with the fire service to remove the car and have launched an investigation to determine how it came to be on the tracks. The driver of the car and train will also be interviewed.”

Cars coming from the Carnforth direction, along New Road, are being diverted up Crag Road and into Warton. There is also diversions in place at the Silverdale side, and the road is expected to be closed for the next few hours.

Buses are replacing trains between Barrow and Carnforth and delays are expected.