The driver of the van involved in last night's train crash on a level crossing is unlikely to be prosecuted, it emerged today.

The Connex 18.35 Brighton-Portsmouth train, doing 50mph, slammed into the van on a crossing at Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing, at 7pm yesterday.

A number of passengers were slightly injured and others suffered shock, but no one was badly hurt.

The van driver, from Horsham, was today recovering in Worthing Hospital and British Transport Police were due to interview him this afternoon.

But a spokesman said it was unlikely he would be prosecuted as it appeared no criminal offence had been committed.

The driver was delivering goods in a Fiat van to a nearby farm when the accident happened. Police interviewed him at the trackside and again in hospital.

A passenger in the van was outside the vehicle and opening another gate on the crossing when the crash took place.

The crossing has two padlocked gates either side of the crossing and the keyholder is responsible for calling the signalman on the line to turn a light on the line red.

But Transport Polcie said the train had not breached a red light and the circumstances of the accident were now being investigated by a health and safety officer from the Railway Inspectorate.

A crane from Cardiff also arrived late this morning to lift the front carriage from the track.

Three of the 35 passengers on the train received minor injuries in the accident and were taken to Worthing Hospital. The train driver suffered shock.

Argus reporter Siobhan Ryan, who was on the train, said: "The train was shifting a fair amount and suddenly it was braking and slowing and the wheels were screeching. Bits were coming in through the windows.

"I thought it was all over. The train was trying to stop but was not stopping - it kept going and going. I was petrified."

The carriages were plunged into darkness in the accident, which left several carriages derailed.

Connex spokesman Tim Howell said: "It is very lucky that no one was seriously hurt. The incident has caused severe disruption to our services."