ONE person has died after a high-speed train bound for London smashed into a van on a level crossing.
The van was left up in flames after the deadly collision which rocked the small village of Tonge, in Kent.
UKNIPOne person has died after a high-speed train bound for London smashed into a van on a level crossing[/caption]
UKNIPThe van was left up in flames after the deadly collision[/caption]
UKNIPAn emergency helicopter arrived at the crash site between a train and a van in Kent[/caption]
An air ambulance rushed to the scene alongside paramedics but one person was tragically declared dead by the rail line, the British Transport Police said.
It is unclear if the individual was in the van or on the train.
Services between Newington and Faversham have since been severely disrupted after the collision which took place off Lower Road in Teynham.
The van is said to have caught fire following the impact, at around 12:45pm near to Sittingbourne.
Video showed a large plume of smoke billowing at the site of the crash.
Emergency services, including British Transport Police, Kent Police, and fire and rescue crews, remain on site.
The train appeared to be run by Southeastern who serve the majority of journeys in and out of London around Kent.
As a result, all train services between Newington and Faversham are suspended.
Passengers have been told to expect delays, cancellations, and altered services until at least 3pm.
Southeastern’s managing director Steve White assured travellers that replacement buses are running between Gillingham and Faversham as well as Sheerness and Sittingbourne.
Travellers are urged to check live journey updates before travelling and consider alternative routes.
The crash was first confirmed by Kent Police who said: “Kent Police was called at 12.43pm on Sunday 13 July 2025 to a report of a collision involving a train and a van at a level crossing in Lower Road, Teynham.
“Patrols are currently at the scene where they are assisting officers from the British Transport Police.
“South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service also attended.”
A spokesperson added: “A train has hit a van on the line at Teynham, blocking the route between Newington and Faversham. Police are on site and working to resolve the incident.”
The cause of the accident is now being investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
UKNIPA high-speed train and a van collided causing a fire in Teynham[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
