20.02.08
Train strikes footbridge
A 31 year old East Midlands Trains driver was in a stable condition at Leicester Royal Infirmary hospital after his train struck a footbridge (known as Barrow Old Station footbridge) in the area of Grove Lane, Barrow Upon Soar, Loughborough, Leicestershire.
The train was the 0613 Nottingham to Norwich service. The bridge had been struck by a railway ballast vehicle and collapsed before it was struck by the train. The train was derailed but remained upright. The Midland Main Line remained blocked with services from London terminating at Leicester.
Engineers worked throughout the night to clear the site of the incident and reopen the railway for services to resume. By 0400 the following day, two of the four lines were re-opened and the remaining two were due to be opened by teatime. The train driver sustained serious injury receiving deep lacerations to his legs. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening. There were six passengers on the train. One minor injury was reported. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched a full investigation.