NETWORK RAIL says a car driver died on a level crossing in Somerset early today when the vehicle was struck by an intercity train.
The collision at Stanmoor Road crossing near Athelney shortly before 06.30 involved the 05.46 First Great Western service from Exeter St Davids to London. FGW said both drivers on board the train were 'shocked'.
The car was trapped under the front of the train and pushed 800m down the track, but no one on board the train was injured and there was no derailment.
An investigation is under way at the scene, but British Transport Police said the accident was not being treated as suspicious. Network Rail engineers are checking the equipment at the half barrier crossing, but no fault has been reported as yet.
The line between Castle Cary and Taunton is expected to stay closed until this afternoon.
First Great Western services have been disrupted by the incident. All FGW trains between London and the south west are being diverted via Bristol, and a 'limited' replacement bus service is running between Castle Cary and Taunton.