Driver seriously injured in train crash after ignoring barriers at level crossing

Police release footage of 'extremely dangerous' driving

A motorist was seriously injured after driving into the path of a double-decker train at a level crossing.

CCTV footage shows a black SUV edging underneath barriers as they close, its driver apparently ignoring warnings that a train is approaching.

The vehicle is seen waiting for traffic to clear ahead before moving forward onto the tracks and being struck by the SunRail train in Orlando, Florida.

Witnesses told Click Orlando of hearing a “loud boom” as the commuter train smashed into the car.

The car’s driver was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Witnesses said a nurse rushed off the train to help her.

The crash happened on Interstate 4 at 4.20pm on Wednesday, according Orlando Police Department, which released footage of the accident.

“Please obey all traffic laws, especially when approaching railroad crossings,” the force tweeted. ”Trying to cross when a train approaches is extremely dangerous. Exercise patience and drive safe.”

The crash caused delays for northbound and southbound trains for around 90 minutes, said Florida Department of Transportation, which urged drivers to be careful.

“Drivers need to exercise every bit of their patience and every bit of their good judgement and every bit of their good driving skills back here,” said spokesman Steve Olson.