Train hits part of level crossing barrier on track
A railway line in West Sussex is completely blocked after a passenger train struck part of a level crossing barrier on the track, a rail company has said.
Network Rail said a Southern driver reported hitting the debris at Adversane, near Billingshurst, at about 08:15 BST.
As a result, no trains are currently running between Arundel and Barnham, with disruption expected to continue until 16:00 BST.
There were no injuries to anyone on board the train, Southern said.
It added that "response teams have now assisted all passengers off the train which hit the barrier".
Network Rail said 43 passengers were on the train when it struck the debris.
In a statement, it said it was investigating "but it appears a car struck part of the level crossing, breaking part of the barrier, and some of the debris on the track struck the train’s electrical pick-up equipment.
"This meant that the train had lost power and couldn’t move forward."
National Rail said trains normally running to Horsham after Barnham will now run between Barnham and Three Bridges via Hove.
It said the following stations would not have a service in either direction: Arundel, Amberley, Pulborough, Billingshurst and Christ's Hospital.
Southern said: "Some replacement buses have now been confirmed for the route between Horsham and Arundel, but only a small number will be available."
The operator advised rail replacement services would be in place between 10:00 and 11:00 BST but passengers should "continue to try to use other local public transport routes" if possible.
Network Rail issued an apology "for any inconvenience caused to anyone disrupted by this incident”.
British Transport Police have been contacted for comment.
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