Train hits debris after car crashes into Connor Downs crossing

A car smashed into a level crossing on the main line through Cornwall late on Monday night, leaving debris across the tracks. Minutes later, a train carrying six passengers ran into it.

Nobody was hurt. But the crossing at Gwinear Road in Connor Downs was left damaged and closed, and police now want to hear from anyone who saw what happened.

What happened at Gwinear Road

Officers were called to reports of the collision at around 11.30pm on Monday 12 October. The car, a red Skoda Fabia, hit the level crossing and then left the scene.

The impact spread debris onto the railway. A passing train struck some of it and came to a safe stop at the crossing.

Passengers evacuated from the train

Six passengers were on board at the time, and all of them had to be evacuated. None of them were injured, and neither was the train driver.

The driver of the car, a local man in his 20s, was also unhurt.

Man arrested on suspicion of drug driving

The man was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Main line closed after the damage

The crossing sits on the main railway line between Penzance and Paddington. At the time of the police appeal, it remained closed because of the damage to the infrastructure, with diversions in place.

Footage appeal

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information that could help. They are also asking anyone with dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to call 101 or contact Devon & Cornwall Police online, quoting log 882 12/10/26.

📷Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police