Sidewalk snowplow driver dead after colliding with CN train

A CN freight train travelling through downtown London has hit a sidewalk snowplow killing the driver.

London police were at the scene of the crash at the intersection of Colborne and York Streets investigating alongside CN Rail.

The train tracks south of York Street have reopened following the incident.

London police say the Bobcat was travelling northbound on Colborne Street when it was hit by an eastbound freight.

The City of London said the driver was an employee contracted by the municipality to clear snow.

The driver's next of kin has not been notified.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by this event and wish to extend our condolences to the family," read a statement written on behalf of Mayor Matt Brown and city manager Martin Hayward.

The crumped wreckage of the sidewalk plow landed about 60 metres to the east of the railway crossing.

Investigators don't know yet whether snow was being removed at the time of the impact.

Police said the train will be stopped for "some time" blocking access to a number of streets into the downtown, including Adelaide Street to the east and RidoutStreet to the west.

In a statement, CN said the lights and gates at the Colbornecrossing were working at the time and that the train sounded its horn.

There were no barriers across the sidewalkwhere the Bobcat was crossing into London's downtown.