Published July 13, 2025 2:38pm
Updated July 13, 2025 6:47pm
One person has been killed after a train struck an Amazon delivery van causing a fireball explosion in Kent.
The Southeastern Rail service to London collided with the grey vehicle at a level crossing in the rural hamlet of Tonge at 12.45pm on Sunday.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed a fatality was found by officers arriving at the scene.
An Amazon spokesman told Metro: ‘This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
He added: ‘We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.’
A BTP spokesperson said they are still investigating the collision which resulted in hundreds of train passengers being evacuated onto the side of the track.
They said: ‘Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘The incident is currently being investigated.’
Footage from the scene appears to show a huge fire in greenery close to the railway as police arrive.
Pictures of the aftermath show the train upright but stopped on the track with no obvious damage.
Passengers stuck on the train asked the rail company over social media to open the doors as temperatures rose following the collision.
TEYNHAM update: A London-bound train travelling at high speed reportedly hit a van on a level crossing off Lower Road this afternoon. The van reportedly caught fire following the collision. Air ambulance is at scene. pic.twitter.com/MINu4NAoVu
— Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) July 13, 2025
Southeastern Rail confirmed the collision with a post on X: ‘We have received reports of a train hitting an obstruction on the track at Teynham.
‘We are still awaiting confirmation of the severity of the incident. Services between Canterbury East & Victoria are expected to be disrupted.’
They added in an update: ‘A train has collided with an obstruction on the track at Teynham blocking the line.
‘Replacement buses are running between Gillingham – Faversham & Sittingbourne – Sheerness.’
Network Rail said the disruption caused by the collision is expected to last until the end of the day.
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