A van driver caused 10 hours of train delays and £60,000 of damage when he smashed through a level-crossing barrier last July, captured in this shocking CCTV footage.

Issued by Network Rail on Tuesday (January 23), the video shows Emanuel Goagara speeding up - despite the red warning lights - and drive through the barriers, sending them flying across the tracks.

The warning lights had been active for more than 10 seconds when Goagara, from Edgeware, crashed through the gantries, "putting himself, passengers and railway staff in harms way".

He has since received an 18-month driving ban, been ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.

Mark O'Flynn, level-crossing manager for Network Rail's Wessex route, said: "It is only through sheer luck this driver's reckless actions did not cause serious injury, or worse.

"Not only did he put himself in danger, but passengers and railway staff were also put in harms way."

Emanuel Goagara's van approaching the level-crossing at speed

PC Joel Freeman-White of British Transport Police, who investigated the incident in Sunningdale, said he hoped Goagara's conviction would act as a warning to other motorists and pedestrians.

"Level crossings are there for a reason and by ignoring the barrier and warning signs and continuing to drive over the railway track, Goagara put himself and others in danger, risking his life and that of the train driver and passengers," said PC Freeman-White.

He added: "Trains travel at high speeds and it is vital drivers and pedestrians follow the warning signs at level crossings to avoid injury or even death.

"We don't want to be knocking on doors to tell someone their loved one has been injured or killed as a result of misusing a level-crossing."

  • Emanuel Goagara, 36, of Mollison Way, Edgware, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving during a hearing at Staines Magistrates' Court on December 12. He was sentenced to an 18-month driving ban and 150 hours unpaid work, and was order to pay £1,000 compensation, £85 court costs and and £85 victim surcharge.