A MAN was killed when a steam locomotive and a car crashed on a level crossing near Dymchurch, Romney Marsh.

The man, believed to have been the driver of the train, died in the accident at 11.30am this morning on the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch 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.

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 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.

It is believed the train driver was trapped in the engine after it turned on its side and jack-knifed across the track.

Police are not yet releasing details of how the accident 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.