A bus driver had a narrow escape when a train ploughed straight through his vehicle when it got stuck on a level crossing.

The bus was torn in half by the impact of the collision on Marconilaan in Bergen op Zoom just before 10am on Monday. The front of the train was also damaged.

Witnesses said he managed to get out of the cab in time and watched the collision from a distance. He was examined at the scene by an ambulance crew but was unhurt, a spokesman for the local safety council told the Brabants Dagblad. There were no passengers on board.

Trein rijdt vol in op bus in Bergen op Zoom. Godzijdank geen passagiers in bus. pic.twitter.com/S8OwrEdA59

— NieuwRechts (@NieuwRechtsNL) October 17, 2022

Police and safety officials are investigating why the bus was standing still on the crossing when the barriers came down.

‘Thank goodness the bus was empty,’ said a spokesman for the safety council.

Eelco van Asch, director of operations for train operator NS, said: ‘The bus driver and the train driver are very badly shaken. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and passengers on board the train.’

NS warned that services between Bergen op Zoom and Vlissingen will be limited while the scene is cleared of debris and have warned passengers to expect delays of up to 60 minutes.