A driver in his mid 20s was badly injured after his car was hit by a train on an unmanned level crossing with no barrier.

The accident occurred around 08.45h yesterday at Ferrerira, in the municipality of Huéneja, three kilometres distance from Calahorra (Guadix).

The Guardia Civil, an ambulance and personnel from the Guadix fire service were required at the scene, with the latter needed to free the 26-year-old driver from the wreckage.

However, such was the severity of his injuries it was decide to fly him to hospital in an air-ambulance helicopter rather than transport him by road.

The train swiped a wing of the car, spinning it off the track – had the train hit it full broadside, the driver would not have survived the impact.

The 88 passengers onboard were picked up by another train and taken to Huéneja station so that they could continue their journey.

(News: Huéneja, Guadix, Granada, Andalucia)