Rail service improvements and disruptions

Trains cancelled and delayed across network after overhead wires collapse

Extensive cancellations and delays hit Britain’s railway network yesterday after overhead wires collapsed in the Midlands.

More than 100m of overhead wires came down at 6.30am near Birmingham International station on 5 April. The full cause is not yet known. Liam Sumpter, from Network Rail, told the BBC: "Shortly after 06.30 an empty London Midland train leaving Birmingham International station, heading towards Coventry, became involved in an incident with the over-line equipment."

This "resulted in significant damage to that over-line equipment and the train itself, and blocked the line in its entirety," he explained.

At one point only three services an hour were running from Euston to Birmingham instead of six, and services to destinations including Coventry, Edinburgh, North Wales and Southampton were affected.

Virgin, London Midland, Cross Country and Chiltern were all affected, and accepted each others’ tickets to try to ease passenger congestion.

A Network Rail spokesperson said repairing the wires had been “a big repair job” and took until 8pm to complete.

(Image c. Network Rail)