Disruption between Harrogate and York as van crashes through crossing

Disruption between Harrogate and York as van crashes through crossing

A bizarre incident unfolded in Yorkshire as a van careened down a hill and crashed through a railway level crossing barrier after a pet dog chewed through the handbrake cable, according to the van’s owner. The chaotic scene resulted in the vehicle smashing through the gates near Knaresborough Station and colliding with a Victorian signal box, causing significant disruption to train services between Harrogate and York. The van driver, who opted to remain anonymous, shared with BBC News that he had left his French bulldog named Reggie inside the van while he stepped out, only to witness it rolling away down Kirkgate. Fortunately, there were no injuries sustained in this peculiar turn of events.

Despite occurring before 06:30 BST, the crash led to the closure of the railway line during the morning rush hour. However, the vehicle has since been removed from the tracks, and North Yorkshire Police confirmed that no individuals were harmed in this incident. An eyewitness recounted how the speeding van narrowly missed his residence before crashing through the gate onto the railway track and eventually halting upon striking the signal box. National Rail promptly announced that a reduced service would be in operation until around 14:00 BST following the incident.

The aftermath of the collision saw British Transport Police launching inquiries to determine the circumstances leading up to the peculiar crash and encouraged any witnesses to come forward. Notably, the damaged signal box, a Grade II-listed structure dating back to 1872, stands unique as one of the few attached to a terraced house rather than being freestanding on the British network. Furthermore, the adjacent crossing is primarily utilized by pedestrians, adding to the unusual nature of the accident. Passengers planning to travel were advised by authorities to verify details due to the disruption caused by the unexpected van collision at the level crossing

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