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Steam train crash driver named

The scene of the tragedy. Picture: SIMON BURCHETT
The scene of the tragedy. Picture: SIMON BURCHETT

A TRAIN driver who was killed when his engine hit a car on a level crossing near Dymchurch, Romney Marsh, has been named as 31-year-old Kevin Crouch.

Mr Crouch, from Mottingham in South East London, was a seasonal driver on the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. The accident happened on Sunday morning on the light railway crossing at Burmarsh Road.

The train carrying around 50 passengers, including children, derailed when it struck the blue Ford Escort. It was travelling from Hythe towards Dymchurch.

Mr Crouch was trapped in the engine after it turned on its side and jack-knifed across the track.

A woman driving the car and a baby suffered minor injuries. They were taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford but have now been discharged.

No train passengers were injured. A coach was sent to pick them up and take them back to their cars or homes.

Kent Police, Kent Fire Brigade, Kent Air Ambulance, and Kent Ambulance Trust were at the scene for more than four hours.

Police are not yet releasing details of how the accidents happened. But eyewitnesses reported seeing the warning lights at the crossing flashing minutes before the crash.

Kent Police Crash Investigation team and the Health and Safety Executives, as well as representatives from the railway are still at the site.

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