The BBC News article has a photo, captioned as showing the emergency services at the scene, which clearly shows an AHB crossing with the barriers fully down. Obviously I can't rule out the barriers being moved post accident (although it seems unlikely this would be done deliberately), but neither can misuse of the crossing by the driver be ruled out.
Given that both car driver and passenger were killed it seems unlikely that the road vehicle was struck just a glancing blow.
Thoughts to all involved, especially the train driver.