AN investigation has been launched after a motorist had a lucky escape when a car was in collision with a train on a level crossing.

The black BMW X5 was struck close to the junction of Lime Kiln Road and Deben Road, in Woodbridge, around 2.25pm yesterday.

Suffolk police said there were no injuries in the collision on the East Suffolk line, with the car driver escaping unhurt and no passengers reporting any problems.

As a result of the incident the B1438 Quay Side at Woodbridge was partially blocked both ways at Deben Road for over two hours due to accident investigation work.

It is understood the driver of the car, believed to be 45-years-old and from Woodbridge, was rescued from his vehicle by a passer-by.

Passengers were let off the train around 3.45pm and picked up by bus to continue their journey.

Rebecca Milan, from Beccles, who was travelling to London, said: “There was a bang.

“Luckily the train was going quite slowly. When we stopped I looked out of the window and saw the car squashed between the train and a sign. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“Some passers-by came and got the man and a dog out through the boot of the car. I think his wife and other friends arrived to take him home. He looked fine. Everyone on the train is OK. We were so lucky.”

Theo Steyn, from Bawdsey, who was on his way to the airport to catch a flight to South Africa, said: “I was sitting at the back of the train. I didn’t hear much. I wasn’t too sure what was happening. It was a bit of a shock but thankfully I think everyone is OK.”

National Express East Anglia put on a replacement bus service between Ipswich and Lowestoft and passengers were warned that journey times could be extended by up to 45 minutes.

Mike Illingworth, managing director of Robertsons boatbuilders in Lime Kiln Quay, said: “I came back to find the train stopped across the railway track so I wasn’t able to get across to my yard.

“I spoke to the people who had got out of the car and they were fine.”

A British Transport Police spokesman said yesterday: “Police were called to the level crossing on Deben Road in Woodbridge after a report of a train striking a car.

“The incident was reported to police at 2.30pm.

“The train involved, believed to be the 1.08pm Lowestoft to Ipswich National Express East Anglia service, has remained upright and on the tracks.

“The East of England Ambulance Service has been called to attend as a precaution although at present there are no reports of serious injuries to the driver of the car or passengers onboard the train.

“Officers will be investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the car came to be on the tracks at the time.”

Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 290.

- Were you the driver of the car? Would you like to thank the people who rescued you? Contact the EADT newsroom on 01473 324732 or email news@eadt.co.uk.