Train services between Southport and Liverpool were suspended at approximately 9.30 last night after a man drove his car onto the tracks at the Crescent Road crossing.

The car was then hit by a train travelling from Liverpool to Southport.

It appears that the driver realised his mistake and escaped from the car before the train hit.

Several passengers on the train were treated for shock and whiplash.

Services are now back to normal.

Picture from Qlocal reader Amanda Pleasants of Dover Road.

Fire service statement.

Firefighters were called to an incident at a level crossing in Grosvenor Road, Southport at 9.50pm this evening.

A car went through the barriers at the level crossing and was hit by a train.

The train came to a halt and the car was pushed around 100 metres down the track.

The driver of the car is out of the vehicle and in an ambulance.

Around 30 passengers are still on the train, with a paramedic in attendance. There are two passengers with suspected whiplash injuries.

The line has been isolated and firefighters have been able to assess damage to the front of the train and the vehicle.

Crews are administering oxygen to a passenger suffering breathing difficulties and are beginning to evacuate passengers from the train using a short extension ladder.

There are not believed to be any serious injuries at this time and alternative transport is being arranged for passengers.

2 Fire engines were called out to the incident. One crew has remained to assist British Transport Police in removing passengers safely to alternative transport.

It wouldn't have happenened in the old days when there was proper gates on a manned crossing.

There's always one. Hope passengers all make a full recovery.

It was actually a Southport to Liverpool bound train if you know which tracks go in which direction.

Originally Posted by libraryguy

It was actually a Southport to Liverpool bound train if you know which tracks go in which direction.

that is subjective

Firstly glad the driver was unhurt but I have to say the number of drivers who drive over the crossings when the red lights are flashing are many!!

One of the many things these days which baffle me.

Who has a life so busy that they need to ignore the lights and gates to get where they are going?

It is clear enough when the train is due.

As the driver broke the law and caused both damage and put lives at risk, I hope he is taken to court, then Mersey Rail take a civil action against him for causing damage. I'f I was on the train I'd have called Lawyers for us this morning to take action against him as well.

there should be gates on level crossings that are in the down position across the lines when the gates are in the open position over the road. When a train is due one set go up as the other set comes down. Logic.

This type of accident is quite common when people are following SAT NAVS.

Originally Posted by cotton man

There's always one. Hope passengers all make a full recovery.

You may rest assured they will recover in time to spend their new found wealth secured for them by Oohmyneck lawyers. Umpteen tons of train versus a car - whiplash - really?