Moment train smashes into van when delivery driver pulled onto level crossing after opening gates by hand

CCTV footage revealed the moment the train crashed into the minibus after a careless delivery driver pulled up to a level crossing and opened the doors manually.

William Backhouse managed to escape unharmed after a Northern Railway train crashed into the front of his van at 49 miles per hour at Braystones station in Cumbria.

The 30-year-old man reached the crossing at the train station but failed to notice the approaching locomotive.

In the video, it can be seen that the train hit the Ford Transit and the left front part of the minibus was shattered and the bodywork was crumpled.

The wreckage of the minibus was also seen covering the rails and the surrounding road, and the line was closed for several hours.

Somehow, no one was injured in the accident, which occurred while Backhouse was delivering packages in the area on September 13 last year.

He was later charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and endangering the safety of a person transported by rail.

He has now been found guilty of both charges but has been spared prison; instead he was sentenced at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

In the video, it can be seen that the train crashed into a Ford Transit, shattering the front left side of the minibus and crumpling its hood.

Backhouse, formerly of Carlisle in Cumbria but now living in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, was banned from driving for a year.

He was also told that he would have to pass a lengthy test before he could drive again.

And he was ordered to comply with a mental health treatment requirement for 12 months and pay £1,500 compensation.

A plea hearing at Workington Magistrates’ Court last month heard Backhouse manually opened the level crossing gates without ringing the signalman to obtain permission to cross.

The train was carrying 10 passengers at the time and the driver managed to apply the emergency brake.

Constable Stewart Simpson, of the British Transport Police, said after the incident: ‘Backhouse’s careless actions and wanton disregard for safety put his life and the lives of everyone on the train at risk.

‘Safety procedures are in place for a reason and we will continue to take action against those who try to circumvent the system or deliberately misuse level crossings.

‘There can never be an excuse for ignoring the safety protocols in place at a level crossing.’

He urged witnesses of similar offenses to text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, adding this would help ‘safeguard commuters and take action against negligent drivers’.

Northwestern Network Rail route director Clare Waller said: ‘Safety on the railway is our top priority and such reckless behavior is not only dangerous but can cause serious disruption to passengers.

‘This particular incident cost taxpayers thousands of pounds and everyone involved was lucky to escape unhurt.

‘We will continue to work with our partners to manage level crossings as safely as possible.’