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‘Explosion’ reported near track as Merseyrail sees service delays

Merseyrail warned passengers of delays between Liverpool and Ormskirk this morning after some passengers reported seeing an ‘explosion’ on a train passing through Old Roan station.

The operator cited “power supply problems” which forced it to suspend services and apologised to passengers as adverse weather conditions blocked replacement bus services.

In a tweet, Merseyrail said the problem had been caused by snow covering the collector shoe on the train and stopping electricity from reaching the motors.

This image shows the issue at Aintree this morning. The collector shoe on the train, which picks up the electricity, has been covered in compacted snow. The snow acts as an insulator, which prevents the electricity getting through to the trains motors, causing damage. pic.twitter.com/wep4Iax5HE

— Merseyrail (@merseyrail) March 8, 2018

However, regional press disclosed video of footage of the ‘explosion’ which shows a large flash followed by smoke.

This footage shows the moment a huge flash and smoke surrounded a train on Merseyrail line: Full info here - https://t.co/1LXdxLHnZ4 pic.twitter.com/rOJAhPPF6S

— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) March 8, 2018

Services are now running again, but the affected train was reportedly stationary for hours while engineers dealt with the issues.

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