This is the moment a high-speed police chase ends suddenly when a fleeing driver is smashed by a train at a level crossing.
Video released by police shows the Skoda Octavia racing through the streets of Sternberk in the Czech Republic on 15th August as officers follow close behind.
The driver swerves into oncoming traffic, drives over a cycle path and a grass verge, and then overtakes a van waiting at a railway crossing before pulling straight into the path of a passenger train.
The train then smashes into the car and spins it off the tracks as officers rush in to help.
The 31-year-old driver and his 33-year-old passenger, who owns the car, both survived.
Police officers gave them first aid before they were taken to Olomouc University Hospital.
The driver told police he refused to stop because his licence was blocked.
Tests showed he was under the influence of amphetamines and methamphetamines but not alcohol.
The passenger suffered serious injuries.
He later admitted to officers that he was supposed to report to prison that same day, although police did not give details of the sentence.
There were about 60 passengers on the train but none were injured.
Police said damage from the crash was estimated at CZK 450,000 (GBP 15,800).
Regional investigators have opened a case against the driver for negligent grievous bodily harm.
He faces up to four years in prison or a financial penalty.
Train services between Sternberk and Unicov were suspended for several hours after the crash.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-01.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-02.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-03.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-04.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-05.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-06.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-07.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-08.jpg Copyright: Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the scene of the accident in Sternberk, Czech Republic, undated. A driver who was chased by police got hit by a train. Note: Police photo. (Policie Ceske/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-09.jpg Copyright: @PolicieCZ/Newsflash/NX
Description: Train hits driver who refused to stop while being chased by police in Sternberk, Czech Republic, Aug. 15, 2025. The 31-year-old driver stated that he refused to stop because he knew that his driving license was blocked. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(@PolicieCZ/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-EscapeTrain-01.mp4 Video Copyright: @PolicieCZ/Newsflash/NX Video Caption: Caption: Train hits driver who refused to stop while being chased by police in Sternberk, Czech Republic, Aug. 15, 2025. The 31-year-old driver stated that he refused to stop because he knew that his driving license was blocked. ***Video Licence Restrictions: NONE/UNLIMITED. This video is from our emergency services partner – for details of our ‘emergency services’ licence see https://newsx.agency/licences/
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