Inquiry after train hits tractor

The driver of the tractor required hospital treatment

Rail safety experts have begun an investigation after a high-speed commuter train carrying 100 people hit a tractor at a level crossing in Essex.

The collision left a female passenger and the drivers of both the tractor and train in need of hospital treatment.

British Transport Police and the Railway Inspectorate are trying to establish how the collision, at Hogwell Farm Crossing, at 1900 BST on Thursday, happened.

Train services on the affected line, between London's Liverpool Street station and Southminster in Essex, were disrupted but were back to normal by mid-morning on Friday.

'Substantial damage'

It is thought the 1816 train from Liverpool Street had been travelling between Woodham Ferrers and Fambridge stations at 45mph before the collision.

It caused "substantial damage" to both vehicles, the tracks and overhead power lines.

Rail services on the line were suspended on Thursday while repairs were carried out.

Both drivers were said to be suffering from shock, while the woman injured taken to hospital suffered a small injury to her arm.

The remaining passengers continued their journeys by coach.