This is a moment a car that stopped on the tracks apparently unable to decide whether to go forward or backwards is suddenly struck by an inter-city train.

Footage indicates that the driver went through a red light and then realised too late that the PKP Intercity train was approaching the crossing in Poronin, Poland on 1st May.

Police say the 67-year-old driver ended up on the tracks just as the train was approaching , and with no opportunity to stop in time, the train smashed the front of the vehicle sending it spinning into the undergrowth.

Both the driver and his 48-year-old female passenger were hospitalised with injuries.

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe released a video from the train driver's cabin, showing the moment of impact to underscore the dangers of ignoring red lights at crossings.

PKP emphasised that train drivers have limited options in such situations, stating: "All a train driver can do is brake and hope no one dies."

This accident reportedly adds to the approximately 200 annual incidents at Polish railway crossings, which result in dozens of fatalities each year.