A tractor driver was seriously hurt and nine other people injured when a Greater Anglia train carrying 135 passengers hit the tractor at a level crossing in Roudham, near Thetford, on Sunday lunchtime.

Eastern Daily Press: The train crash at Roudham level crossing near Thetford.The train crash at Roudham level crossing near Thetford. (Image: Archant)

Seven patients were treated at the scene when the train crashed at around 12.30pm, a spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said.

Two were taken to West Suffolk Hospital, four by land ambulance to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. The spokesperson added that all patients' injuries are believed to be 'non-life threatening'.

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The British Transport Police reported that the 31-year-old tractor driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital by air ambulance.

Eastern Daily Press: The tractor which was hit by the train at the level crossing. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYThe tractor which was hit by the train at the level crossing. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

'A sudden brake and a bang'

Passengers Martin Monkhouse and Tristian Leuw were on their way to Stansted Airport to fly to Malaga on holiday when they heard a loud bang.

Eastern Daily Press: Emergency services at Roudham. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYEmergency services at Roudham. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

Mr Monkhouse said: 'There was a sudden brake and then a bang. We started to get off the train and the conductor shouted to us to get back on. There was glass shattering everywhere and there was smoke.'

Mr Leuw added: 'There was a moment where I didn't know whether we were going to live or die. I just hope the tractor driver is alright.'

Eastern Daily Press: Passengers Martin Monkhouse (L) and Tristian Leuw (R).Passengers Martin Monkhouse (L) and Tristian Leuw (R). (Image: Archant)

The train was travelling on the Norwich to Cambridge line and all services between the two cities have been suspended. Buses are replacing trains and the passengers on the train which crashed have been taken away from the scene.

Eastern Daily Press: Emergency and investigation teams at Roudham after a train hit a tractor on a level crossing. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYEmergency and investigation teams at Roudham after a train hit a tractor on a level crossing. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

Travel disruption

Emergency services remained on scene this afternoon, along with British Transport Police.

Eastern Daily Press: A carriage showing damage from the train crash at Roudham. Photo: Alex Youngs/TwitterA carriage showing damage from the train crash at Roudham. Photo: Alex Youngs/Twitter (Image: Archant)

Eight fire appliances were called and more than 50 firefighters attended.

Four ambulances, one rapid response vehicle, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), three ambulance officers and the East Anglian air ambulance all attended.

Eastern Daily Press: The train crash at Roudham level crossing near Thetford.The train crash at Roudham level crossing near Thetford. (Image: Archant)

Hall Road where the level crossing is has been closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area as the road will be closed for some time.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said they were called at 12.36pm to the railway line at Roudham following reports that a passenger train had been involved in a collision with a tractor.

He said: 'A number of people including the driver have sustained injuries as a result of the collision and are being treated by paramedics. There are currently no reported fatalities.'

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