A MOTORIST is dead after a peak-hour collision between a car and a train at Cheltenham Station.

The scene after a train hit a car at Cheltenham Station.

The fatal smash, between a Holden Commodore and a Metro train at about 4.30pm, is expected to disrupt commuter services.

Witness Seamus Timms told the Frankston Standard Leader that he and about five other people were waiting on the platform of the station, off Charman Rd, when the car stopped on the tracks.

“The crossing gates came down and the (train driver) blew his horn but he didn’t move,’’ Mr Timms said.

He said the people on the platform and others in the car park shouted to the man to get him to move off the tracks.

“It hit the car and pushed it along, and it got wedged between the train and the platform.

"A couple of us called 000 and then the car caught on fire, there were flames coming out from under the bonnet.’’

An officer at the scene confirmed the man had died but did not have any further information.

There were no passengers on the train at the time.

Metro Trains says there will be extensive delays on the Frankston line, and buses have been ordered to replace trains between Moorabbin and Mordialloc.

VicRoads says there is heavy congestion in the area, with delays back to Nepean Highway.

- with Jessica Bennett and Georgie Haberfield


Source:heraldsun