These images show the horrific aftermath as a train collided with a lorry and erupted in a huge fireball, leaving both drivers and at least two passengers injured.

The incident occurred at a level crossing in Sankt Ruprecht an der Raab, a market town in southern Austria, at around 11:30am on 26th May.

It happened as the 36-year-old lorry driver, who was not named, apparently failed to see the red light at the crossing and slammed into a Styrian Regional Railway passenger train.

The impact tore open the lorry’s fuel tank, causing both the train's power car and the lorry's cab to catch fire.

At the time, there were reportedly 10 people on the train, including the driver and a conductor.

Images show thick clouds of smoke rising above the scene and the train's driver's cab completely burnt out.

The lorry driver who was badly hurt managed to escape the burning vehicle on his own, leaping from the cab.

He suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to the Graz Accident Hospital via helicopter.

The 60-year-old train driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Weiz Regional Hospital.

Two other passengers on the train were also slightly injured.

Seven construction workers from a neighbouring site also had to be treated at hospital for inhaling too much smoke from the burning wreckage.

More than 70 firefighters responded to the major incident, arriving in 14 vehicles to extinguish the large blaze.

They were able to bring the flames under control and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas.

The operation to fully extinguish the fire lasted several hours.

Commander Leon Christandl of the St. Ruprecht an der Raab volunteer fire brigade said: "We narrowly avoided a tragic catastrophe."

Claudia Holzer, Regional Councillor for Transport, added: "The images from today’s accident have deeply affected me.

"I would like to thank the police, the emergency services, and above all the fire brigade, whose swift response prevented the fire from spreading further.

"I also extend my thanks to our colleagues at the Styrian Railway for their courageous intervention, which also helped avert a worse outcome.

"I wish all those injured a full and speedy recovery."

Both drivers reportedly tested negative for alcohol.

Police are currently investigating why the trucker seemingly failed to see the red light and drove onto the tracks.

(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)