11 hurt as train hits lorry

An investigation was under way tonight into the derailing of a passenger train after it hit a lorry on a level crossing.

Eleven people were taken to hospital with minor injuries following the accident at Little Glemham, near Woodbridge, Suffolk.

A joint investigation was being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive, British Transport Police and Railtrack, said a spokeswoman for train company Anglia Railways.

Robert Williams, conductor of the Anglia Railways train suffered a suspected broken arm, and driver Nigel Fisher, were taken to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, said the spokeswoman.

Two crew and 56 passengers were on board the 9.05am service from Lowestoft to Ipswich.

Eight passengers and the lorry driver were taken to hospitals in Gorleston and Ipswich, with one woman suffering spinal injuries, said a spokesman for East Anglia Ambulance Service.

The inner axle at the front of the single carriage Class 153 train left the track after the train hit the lorry, she said.

The train remained upright.

The spokeswoman said: "Everyone has been full of praise for the calm actions of the driver and conductor and the way in which they looked after everyone and handled the situation.

"At the moment we are looking at having the service up and running by late tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.

"We believe the signals were working and as far was we are concerned our driver did everything correctly."

Inspector Gary Young, from British Transport Police said: "A full examination is taking place at the scene. The track has been handed back to the railway to do repair work."

He said the signals will be checked to ensure there had not been a problem with the level crossing lights.

The passengers continued their journey by coach.

A replacement coach service was in operation while services are suspended on the line.

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