BREAKING NEWS: Engineers hopeful to restore limited train service to London following crash
Derailed train at Bletchley station
ENGINEERS are hoping to be able to have limited services running between Northampton and London Euston this afternoon following this morning’s rail crash.
At around 2.20am, an electric locomotive leased to and operated by Virgin Trains, derailed at Bletchley south junction, south of Milton Keynes.
The train was not hauling any carriages and the driver was the only person on board. He sustained minor injuries.
Rail authorities have said the derailed train is still blocking the lines and has caused “significant damage” to the infrastructure in the area.
All services along the track remain suspended.
Investigators from the rail accident investigation branch completed their initial work on site this morning and Network Rail engineers have now started carrying out repairs to the tracks and overhead lines.
Engineers hope two of the four lines will be open by the early afternoon, although it is unlikely repairs to the remaining lines will be completed today.
Passengers are advised to consult National Rail Enquiries before they travel as services on the West Coast Main Line are subject to significant disruption
Robin Gisby, Network Rail managing director, network operations, said: “Unfortunately there is quite substantial damage to the tracks and overhead lines following this morning’s incident. Our engineers have been on site since the small hours to assist investigators and are now carrying out repairs to the tracks and overhead lines which have been damaged.
“We hope to have two of the four lines open by the early afternoon, though it is likely that severe disruption will continue for the remainder of the day as we work to repair the more significant damage.”
A spokesman for London Midland urged passengers not to travel. The spokesman said: “Due to a freight locomotive having derailed at Bletchley overnight, the Euston line is currently blocked. Virgin Trains, Southern and London Midland are therefore unable to run between Milton Keynes and London until the line is cleared.
“Engineers are on site and hope to have made repairs by around 1pm.
“We strongly advise passengers not to travel on the Euston line this morning and are extremely sorry for the obvious inconvenience.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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WagTheDog
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 11:14 PMCould the Chron publish an article the first time trains run uninterupted to and from Northampton, if of course that situation ever arises?
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