Man killed in an horrific collision with Soller train

A man died when the car in which he was travelling was involved in a collision with the Soller train, in Son Sardina, at an unguarded level crossing.
The man, named only as José Manuel P R, was aged about 49.
According to police reports, he failed to observe a stop sign at the level crossing, which did not have barriers.
His passenger was uninjured and the car, a Citroen Berlingo, was a complete write off.
At the time of the collision there were only 12 passengers on the train and none of them sustained injuries, although the driver had to be taken to Son Dureta hospital for examination, after collapsing with shock He is reported to have told police that he was unable to brake in time to avoid the collision.
The Soller to Palma train was held up for 45 minutes but normal service was later resumed.
Local Police and Palma firemen rushed to the scene as soon as the alarm was raised, and the firemen had to cut the victim's body from the wreckage.
Unguarded level crossings are gradually being phased out in an effort to improve safety.
FUTURE
A spokesman said that more steps will be taken to ensure greater safety and prevent such accidents happening in the future.
The Soller train is usually packed with hundreds of holidaymakers as it is one of the most popular excursions on the island.
It goes through some of the most beautiful parts of the island, and even though the opening of a road tunnel through the mountains has reduced the number of passengers, it is still a popular attraction.