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Calls for safety lights as NSW woman killed at level crossing

Locals are demanding safety gates and lights at a northern NSW level crossing where a woman was killed this morning.

The 60-year-old mother of three was driving across the rail line near her home when she was hit by a Sydney-bound express train.

A 60-year-old woman was killed today when her car was hit by an express train at a level crossing. Photo: 7 News
A 60-year-old woman was killed today when her car was hit by an express train at a level crossing. Photo: 7 News

The woman's Holden Commodore was crushed and swept along the tracks.

The Andrew Street crossing has no gates or lights, only warning signs.

The Andrew Street crossing only has warning signs - no lights. Photo: 7 News
The Andrew Street crossing only has warning signs - no lights. Photo: 7 News

It was raining and foggy, so visibility was poor.

The victim, Bronwyn Callaghan, lived nearby. Her dog Moses, also in the car, had to be put down.

The victim, mother of three Bronwyn Callaghan. Photo: 7 News
The victim, mother of three Bronwyn Callaghan. Photo: 7 News
Mrs Callaghan's dog Moses, also in the car, had to be put down. Photo: 7 News
Mrs Callaghan's dog Moses, also in the car, had to be put down. Photo: 7 News

Mrs Callaghan's husband rushed to the scene and was treated for shock.

The train was approaching from the north when it hit the Commodore, pushing the car 200 metres down the line.

The train pushed the Holden Commodore down the line. Photo: 7 News
The train pushed the Holden Commodore down the line. Photo: 7 News

Locals say it is hard to see oncoming trains at the crossing and there have been several near-misses.

Resident David Page said he had been campaigning for four years to get lights on the crossing.

Locals say there have been several near-misses at the site. Photo: 7 News
Locals say there have been several near-misses at the site. Photo: 7 News

No train passengers were injured in the accident, but the rail line was closed for investigation and passengers transferred onto buses.