Crash between a car and a train blocks the railway line between Wick and Inverness
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A collision between a car and a train has closed the Wick to Inverness north railway line.
The accident involving a private vehicle, with a driver and passenger, and the 2pm Inverness to Wick ScotRail service happened at the Delny level crossing at about 3pm.
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An air ambulance was scrambled to the scene but witnesses believe nobody was seriously hurt or taken to hospital.
The rail line remains closed, with all of this evening's services cancelled or delayed subject to replacement buses.
British Transport Police and two Scottish Fire and Rescue appliances from Invergordon remain at the scene, where both lines are blocked.
It is understood rail passengers were bussed from the scene.
Retired Tom Anderson, who lives a few hundred yards away at Barbaraville village, described what he and neighbours had seen.
Mr Anderson said: “We heard sirens just after 3pm and we saw an air ambulance arrive.
“From what neighbours have said, a car containing two people struck a train at the Delny crossing between Tain and Invergordon.
“Thankfully, it seemed that nobody was seriously hurt, but everyone is a bit shocked this has happened.
“The crossing is one where there has been talk of building a bridge for years but that has been recently shelved by Network Rail because of costs of over £12 million.
“Our feeling was proper barriers that were put in a good few years ago were sufficient.
“There have been two previous serious incidents, including one many years ago and a tragic death a few years back.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We took the call at 15:37 after reports of a collision between a private vehicle and a train. Two appliances from Invergordon attended and are still at the scene.”
