All eight carriages of the train, which was travelling from London to Plymouth, came off the rails in the accident near the village of Ufton Nervet.

The government says there will be an inquiry into the incident.

People worried about friends or relatives involved in the crash should ring police on 0870 010 0732.

The accident comes two months after railway inspectors warned that level crossings could be dangerous.

The train hit the car at about 6:15pm on Saturday.

More than 20 ambulances and 15 fire engines rushed to the scene to help passengers.