16.05.17
WW2 bomb closes Birmingham New Street-Lichfield line for second day
An unexploded World War II bomb has caused chaos on the line between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley as services will not run on the tracks for a second day.
The bomb was found at Witton, close to Erdington and Aston Villa yesterday, and has led to nearby homes and businesses being evacuated for safety reasons.
Yesterday, disposal experts put an exclusion zone around the explosive whilst experts were called in to ensure the bomb was removed as safely as possible.
The problem is currently causing considerable disruption for transport in the area as the trains being halted has caused congestion on the A38 and major delays on the M6 and its surrounding roads.
A spokesperson for London Midlands, which operates the line, said: “The railway line from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley will remain closed on Tuesday 16 May due to an unexploded World War 2 bomb.
“London Midland is advising passengers to use alternative transport to complete their journeys. London Midland rail tickets are being accepted on local National Express West Midlands bus routes.
“CrossCountry is accepting London Midland tickets between Nuneaton and Birmingham New Street and Tamworth and Birmingham New Street in both directions until further notice.”
London Midlands also reminded passengers to claim compensation back for delays that were caused by issues on its services.
And in a tweet, the twitter page for West Midlands Ambulance Service wrote: “If you’re wondering why the Aston Expressway is shut and it’s busy in the area, this is the reason – a 250kg WW2 unexploded bomb.”
Top Image: West Midlands Ambulance Service
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