Rail services in Essex were thrown into chaos when a man died after being hit by a train.

The man was on the tracks between Kelvedon and Marks Tey when the collision happened, at about 3.30pm yesterday.

The line was closed off for more than two hours while workers waited for police to remove the body, and delays continued throughout the evening.

The London-bound train had not stopped at Marks Tey after leaving Colchester and was travelling at full speed when the man was struck.

The driver told commuters what had happened on his intercom.

He was later interviewed by police and replaced on the service as it was thought he may have been traumatised by the incident.

Network Rail officials arrived and the train doors were opened to let air into the carriages, but passengers were warned not to step out on to the track.

At 5.45pm, the train returned to Marks Tey so passengers could board another service.

Colchester North Station was brought to a standstill by the delays.

Published Tuesday August 3, 2004

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