Horror moment train carrying 200 passengers smashes into lorry

This is the harrowing moment a passenger train smashes into a lorry carrying thousands of pieces of fruit. CCTV footage shows a lorry crossing the level crossing, then reversing after a car approaches from the opposite direction.

The collision occurred in the Dutch village of Meteren, around 43 miles southeast of Amsterdam, at around 11.10am local time on Thursday (October 30). The passenger train is believed to have been carrying about 200 passengers, who were evacuated and taken to the nearby Den Bosch station, according to local media. Train operator ProRail said five people sustained injuries in the crash. The footage has been released by the operator in the hopes that it will serve as a warning to drivers.

As the driver tries to manoeuvre their HGV to safety, the crossing's lights begin flashing and the barriers start coming down - before the train fast approaches and smashes into the back of the lorry. The impact caused a huge blast as pears were sent flying across the road and railway.

ProRail said the footage "shows how quickly things can go wrong at a railway crossing and is shocking to watch. Better to damage a barrier than to put a life in danger. If you're stuck between the barriers: Keep going."

They added that a kilometre of track needs to be replaced and these works will continue "well into the weekend".

Another video posted on the operator's Instagram page shows the extensive and ongoing cleanup operation to remove the lorry's contents from the track and the surrounding area, as well as the damage to the train.

Drivers of large vehicles are advised to drive through the safety barriers if they find themselves stuck on level crossings, while those in cars are told to focus on getting all passengers out of their vehicle and to safety.

One local who heard the smash said: "There was terrible material damage and a lot of pressure on the driver involved, but I'm glad only minor injuries are reported".

ProRail is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.