Taxi went wrong way at level crossing - and was hit by a train
A taxi was hit by a train after driving onto the tracks at a level crossing, on the line between Carlisle and Newcastle.
The driver and passenger managed to escape the car as the train approached and nobody was hurt in the collision near Warden Crossing between Hexham and Haydon Bridge in Northumberland.
The back of the taxi was completely crushed by the Northern train, which managed to make an emergency stop as it approached.
Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene at around 7.15pm on Monday 8, January.
Trains between Carlisle and Hexham were cancelled and passengers on the train were able to continue their journey on replacement buses.
The line was cleared and reopened shortly after 3am on Tuesday 8, January.
The crash has been reported to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
A spokesperson for Northern said: "There was disruption to train services last night between Newcastle and Carlisle following a collision between a car and a Northern train.
"The incident happened shortly before 7.15pm near to Warden Crossing – between Hexham and Haydon Bridge.
"No-one was injured and road transport was arranged to allow Northern’s customers to continue their journeys.
"Emergency services attended the incident and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.
"As a result of the collision it was necessary to amend rail services on the route during Monday evening whilst work continued to remove debris and repair damage to the tracks.
"We apologise for any delay this may have caused to our customers' journeys."
A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said:
"Officers were called to Warden Level Crossing, Hexham, at 7.16pm yesterday after reports that a taxi had been struck by a train.
"Colleagues from the ambulance service and the fire and rescue service also attended. No casualties have been reported.
"This incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed."