THIS is the heart-stopping moment when a train smashed into a van on a busy level crossing after it got stuck behind the closing barrier.

While the driver had a lucky escape in the terrifying scene, his car was wrecked in collision.

Jaw-dropping CCTV footage of the incident was captured at a level crossing in Poland.

It shows an Opel delivery van trying to make its way through the gap at the last moment.

But the barriers descend before the van can make it to the other side of the crossing, trapping the vehicle on the tracks.

The driver frantically tries to get out of the fraught situation before the train arrives.

The clip shows the van trying its best to manoeuvre in the tight space so the train might not hit the vehicle.

But before the driver can fully move the van off the tracks, the train arrives, sending shards of the vehicle’s side flying.

The rear of the van is completely ripped off, and the remains are sent hurling around within the confines of the crossing.

This incident took place at a level crossing at Wola Filipowska, just outside Kraków.

Mercifully, the driver survived the stunning collision and was able to leave uninjured.

Malopolska Police have added that no passengers on the train were injured either.

A spokesperson said: “A very dangerous incident occurred last Friday before 7am at a guarded railway crossing in Wola Filipowska.

“Despite the seemingly serious road accident, the driver of the Opel delivery van was uninjured.

“Passengers and crew on the Świnoujście-Kraków train also reported no health complaints.

“Investigations into the case are ongoing under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office.”

Polish cops released the footage to remind motorists of the dangers at level crossings.

“Failure to follow these rules can result in a tragic accident,” they said.

“A train can appear at any moment – this is no place to take risks.”