Heart-stopping moment a high-speed train misses a tractor and trailer by INCHES as it ambles over a level crossing in Leicester

  • Heart-stopping footage shows the moment train nearly crashed into a tractor
  • With no time to slow down the train driver had little option but to keep going
  • The driver narrowly missed the back of the cumbersome vehicle and the trailer 
  • British Transport Police Leicestershire tweeted the shocking video on its Twitter

By SIMON HOLMES FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Heart-stopping footage shows the moment a high speed train was inches away from smashing into a tractor and trailer ambling over a level crossing. 

Dramatic video from the cab of the train shows it just avoiding the back of the trailer as it bobbled over the tracks close to Leicester.

With no time to slow down the train driver had little option but to keep on going and fortunately he avoided the back of the cumbersome vehicle.

Approach: Dramatic video from the cab of the train shows it just narrowly avoiding the tractor 

Approach: Dramatic video from the cab of the train shows it just narrowly avoiding the tractor 

Heart-stopping: This angle demonstrates just how close the high speed train was from the bobbling tractor 

Heart-stopping: This angle demonstrates just how close the high speed train was from the bobbling tractor 

It is thought the incident happened near the village of Huncote in Leicestershire on August 4, 2014 after the tractor's driver failed to obtain telephone permission to use the crossing.

British Transport Police Leicestershire only posted the shocking video yesterday on its Twitter feed, saying: 'Leicester, near devastating video. Why rural crossings must be used with care. Follow the rules; don't risk it.' 

The driver of the 10.27am Stansted airport to Birmingham New Street service had to apply the emergency brakes in order to prevent a dramatic collision.

The 26-year-old driver, of Desford, Leicester, was later fined £500 and ordered to pay £3,000 compensation and £85 costs after being convicted of railway obstruction.

A spokeswoman from the British Transport Police said: 'The video shows how dangerous it can be to misuse a level crossing in this manner.

'The tractor driver was lucky not to have been killed as a result of his reckless behaviour.

'He risked his own life and that of the driver and passengers on board the train.'  

Incoming: The train didn't have time to slow down as it approached the tractor 

Incoming: The train didn't have time to slow down as it approached the tractor 

Close: The driver continues the journey after the near miss 

Close: The driver continues the journey after the near miss 

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