Passenger still serious after Suffolk train crash

LONDON (Reuters) - A passenger remains in serious condition in hospital after being injured when a train struck a sewage tanker on a level crossing in eastern England, police said on Wednesday.

The train, a National Express East Anglia service from Sudbury to Marks Tey, struck the lorry at about 5.35 p.m. on an unmanned crossing between Sudbury and Bures in Suffolk.

The train, which had about 20 passengers on board, derailed but remained upright.

The crash left 21 people injured including a 58-year-old man who suffered life-threatening injuries. His condition is said to be serious but stable.

Five others, three men and a two women, spent the night in hospital with injuries ranging from broken ribs and chest pain to heavy bruising. One has since been discharged.

The 38-year-old driver of the lorry which was carrying "sludge" has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

"Following yesterday's rescue operation, our main task today will be to gather physical and technical evidence," said Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther of British Transport Police.

"We were unable to access the train cab last night, but once the train has been secured today, we will be able to do that.

"Also overnight, we have been planning how best to facilitate the recovery operation and a 130 tonne crane is being brought to the site later today."

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Steve Addison)