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Originally Posted by BBKing
There are CCTV monitored level crossings - usually on busier roads. AHBs, like in this incident (and of course open crossings which have no barriers at all) are used on lightly used roads, which this certainly was. It's difficult to think of a use of CCTV that would make a difference - possibly a device to alert if the crossing is blocked would be better (bearing in mind that signalmen have more to do than watch a bunch of TVs).
There are lots of level crossing accidents every year, usually resulting in a dead road user, but there is a serious one about every 20 years (1968, 1986, 2004).
Casualties are now six - car driver, train driver and four others, probably on the train, considering that the normally excellent Mk.3 coaches suffered serious damage, which needs to be examined urgently, considering the train wasn't travelling at full speed.
Poor old Great Western has now had three serious HST accidents in seven years, only one of which was their fault, and all with the first class section at the front of the train bearing the brunt of it, which I suppose is lucky as it's generally less used.
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Casualty figures now at seven, also this would be the fourth HST accident as there was a FGW train involved in another level crossing incident in Worcestershire a couple of months ago (a number of deaths - but all in the minibus that was on the crossing)
My sympthies to everyone involved
EDIT Greencreeper: why would the car be anything but side on to the tracks? If they wanted to push the car or crank it out on the starter (only possible with manuals) they want it pointing the right way.