A 60-YEAR-OLD man has died after a train hit his car at a level crossing, causing severe delays for passengers at Kemble rail station.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in Frampton Mansell just after 3pm today (Tuesday).

The Land Rover he was driving was struck by the 1.36pm service from London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa station at the unmanned level crossing.

It is believed that the train was travelling at around 50mph at the time of the collision.

There were 76 passengers onboard, who have had to evacuate the train and wait at the Crown Inn, Frampton, for alternative transport to be arranged.

Train services between Gloucester and Swindon stations, including at Kemble, have been suspended as the rail lines are closed due to the crash.  A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Officers from BTP attended alongside paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service however a man, believed to be the driver of the car, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"Officers are now working to identify the man and inform his family.  "The car was struck by the Great Western Railway’s London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa service. There are no other reported injuries.   "At present, officers are currently examining the scene to establish the circumstances which led to the man’s car being struck.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 311 of 07/02. Or you can send a text to BTP on 61016.  "This incident is likely to cause disruption into the evening, passengers are asked to check with National Rail Enquiries and Great Western Railways before travelling.  "The Rail Accident Investigation Branch have been notified of this incident."

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service said: "The call was received at 3.03pm to Frampton Mansell to reports of a two-vehicle collision. There is one male casualty, who is 60-years-old."

Rail replacement buses are operating at affected stations.

Great Western Railway tweeted this afternoon: “Due to an incident at a level crossing the lines between Swindon and Gloucester are currently closed.”

One passenger who was onboard the train told the Standard: "We've all been evicted and told to come up here to the Crown. The police have taken all our names and addresses.

"The emergency services preserved the scene and made the decision to get us off the train and send us up the hill.

"It was the worst place for this to happen because we're out here in the sticks.

"The Land Rover is still stuck under the train."

A GWR worker at the scene told passengers that coaches would arrive to take them on to their destination station, but some people had decided to take taxis instead.

The Crown Inn was offering free drinks to the passengers.

Nick Warriner, 18, from Stonehouse, said: "I was in the carriage and felt a slight bump and smelt a bit of smoke. I looked out the window and saw the car. We waited 20 minutes and it was announced we'd hit a car and to wait for further notice."