Train passengers were said to have been shocked by the incident

Her Mini Cooper was dragged for more than 100 yards along the track after the collision at Wilmington, near Eastbourne, on Thursday morning.

The woman had serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The train driver and 18 passengers were unhurt.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the car remained on the track after the train horn was sounded.

The 1053 GMT Southern Railway service from Brighton to Ore, near Hastings, did not derail.

A Southern spokesman said the accident happened at a controlled half-gate crossing and appeared to have been a "tragic incident".

British Transport Police is leading the investigation into the crash.

This incident could have been far worse Sussex Ambulance Service spokesman

Ch Insp Steven Hale said: "The driver [of the train] saw the vehicle parked there from quite a considerable distance, sounded his horn and the vehicle remained in position.

"The driver hit the brakes but was still moving at impact."

Mr Hale said trains normally passed along the section of track at about 70mph.

An air ambulance and ground crews were sent to the scene at about 1125 GMT.

Sussex Ambulance Service spokesman, Guy Emery, said: "This incident could have been far worse if the train involved had been seriously damaged or derailed."