Melbourne commuters on two rail lines are facing lengthy delays after a fatal level crossing accident in the city's southeast and an overhead power fault at a station in the north.



A man was killed when his car was hit by a train at a level crossing accident at Cheltenham railway station about 4.15pm.



A Victoria Police spokesman said the station was closed and emergency services were at the scene. No one else is believed to have been in the car.



Charman Road in Cheltenham is closed in both directions.



Passengers on the Frankston line have been warned that the peak-hour journey home could be a long one and to use another route home if possible.



Buses are replacing trains in both directions between Mordialloc and Moorabbin stations and three outbound services that had been scheduled to run between 4pm and 5pm were cancelled.



On the Epping line, an overhead power fault is causing delays with buses replacing trains between Bell and Epping stations.



Three late afternoon and early evening services on the Epping line have also been cancelled.



Anyone who witnessed the level crossing accident has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppers.com.au



