A MAN accused of driving a minibus into the path of an express train told police investigating the triple fatal incident near Evesham that he could not read English road signs.

Iraqi national Adnan Kadir Karim, aged 25, is charged with three counts of manslaughter in connection with the collision on the unmanned level crossing at Charlton on July 7 last year.

Opening the case for the prosecution, Christopher Millington QC, said the defendant had been driving a white van carrying migrant workers when it was hit by a London-bound train travelling at 90mph.

Soran Karim, a 23-year-old Iraqi, Satish Kumar, 28, from India, and Islam Uddin Ahmed, 46, from Bangladesh, all died.

Mr Millington alleged that Karim, of Carpenters Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, steered the minibus on to the level crossing "in total disregard for the safety of his passengers".

"We say this is a case of manslaughter by criminal negligence," he added.

The court heard Karim, who denies the charges, had persistently denied being the driver "The crew were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure but I'm not aware of anyone else being hurt or any other cars involved."

"The cause of the accident is being investigated."

Stunned onlooker Tim McManus said it was like something out of a film.

"We saw the firemen climbing out of the vehicle. They seemed shaken up but were professional and tried to calm things down.

"They did a remarkable job to avoid doing too much damage."

A spokesman for Worcester police said St Martin's Gate was closed off after the accident while the engine was cleared off the road.

Some railings were also damaged during the incident.