Horror as man in 70s dies after car falls down embankment and crashes onto train tracks

A man in his 70s has died after a car tumbled down an embankment onto busy railway tracks in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Police said they responded at 3.19 pm today (Friday, July 18) to reports that a car was on the railway line close to Stray Rein.

Officers attended and found a silver VW Golf on the tracks with one occupant inside, a man in his 70s, North Yorkshire Police said in a press release. Despite the best efforts of emergency crews, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car was travelling on York Place before leaving the road and going down the railway embankment, according to police.

The family of the man, who has not been named, are being supported by specialist officers, the force said.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for "any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage taken in the area, to come forward as a matter of urgency".

"If you can help, please email mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

"Please quote reference 12250132761 when passing information," the force added.

Supt Andy Nunns said: "There is currently a scene in place for collision investigation work to take place.

My thoughts at this time remain very much with the man's family and I would like to thank the public for their patience.

"We will continue to work with Network Rail and the British Transport Police to minimise disruption."