An Amazon delivery driver has died after their van was hit by a train at a level crossing in Kent.
British Transport Police said it was called to the railway line in Tonge, near Sittingbourne, shortly after 12.45pm on Sunday following reports of a train striking a van.
Police, ambulance and fire and rescue services also attended, but the person died at the scene.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show a large fire producing black smoke in a rural area lined with trees, while other images showed helicopters landing on fields next to the railway line.
No one else was injured in the incident.
It is understood the victim was delivering Amazon parcels when the incident happened. The cause of the collision is under investigation.
The incident occurred at a crossing on Lower Road, between Tonge and Teynham. The gates on either side of the crossing had to be open and closed by the user, which led to the driver stopping on the crossing, according to a witness. It is one of two crossings on this stretch of road in Kent.
A witness working nearby told the Daily Mirror the van had stopped on the track.
They said: “He had got out to close the first gate and was getting back into the van when the train hit.”
An Amazon spokesman said in a statement: “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.
“We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.”
David Davidson, chief operating officer at Southeastern Railway, said: “A train was involved in a collision with a van at a level crossing near Teynham earlier this afternoon.
“We are working with the emergency services and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch following this incident.”
In a later update, Mr Davidson said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died.
“Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“No one else was injured in the incident. We are working hard to reopen the line later this evening and expect to run a full service tomorrow.”
Passengers on the train involved in the crash were transferred on to another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel.
There were severe disruptions to services around the crash site, but lines between Gillingham and Faversham reopened shortly after 8.30pm.
A British Transport Police spokesman told The Telegraph yesterday: “Officers were called to the line in Tonge just after 12.45pm today following reports of a train striking a van.
“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not believed to be suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”