Lorry hit by train on crossing

Arriva Trains said the accident happened on the approach to Porthmadog station

A passenger train has hit a lorry at a private level crossing on the main line near Porthmadog in north Wales.

The lorry driver was treated in hospital for a head injury and 10 passengers on the Arriva Trains Wales service were treated for shock.

The incident happened just after 1600 GMT on Wednesday, leaving the Gwynedd line closed for several hours.

The accident happened at the access to a depot for the tourist steam attraction, the Welsh Highland Railway.

Arriva Trains Wales services between Pwllheli and Minffordd were disrupted after the incident involving the 1427 train from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.

A director with the Welsh Highland steam railway, which runs parallel to the main line, was one of the first on the scene and gave first aid to the lorry driver.

Mark Herbert told BBC Wales: "I ran round to check to see if the driver was okay. He was already out of the cab."

Mr Herbert, who only recently qualified in first aid, added: "He had a bad gash to his head - I wrapped it up to stop the bleeding.

No serious injuries have been reported, although the lorry and train drivers are being treated for minor injuries Arriva Trains Wales

"As far as I know, the passengers were okay on the train."

An eye witness, Richard Williams, told BBC Radio Cymru that the lorry was lifted off the ground on impact and was spun around.

Geraint Morgan, spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales, said 13 passengers were on board the train in addition to the driver and conductor.

He said the crash happened on a 'user-worked' crossing.

The level crossing is used by vehicles to access the Welsh Highland Railway site

"No serious injuries have been reported, although the lorry and train drivers are being treated for minor injuries," he said.

"Road transport will be arranged to replace train services until further notice. We apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may cause."

The line was closed between Harlech and Porthmadog until British Transport Police completed an investigation.

North Wales Police said the driver in the vehicle had suffered minor injuries.

British Transport Police said that they were alerted to the accident at 1609 GMT.

James Hewett, chairman of the Welsh Highland Railway said the incident happened on the level crossing over the main Network Rail line into the steam railway's workshops.

He said: "The road access is a private crossing used to get in and out of our site only. We are shocked by what has happened."