24.01.13
Derailed train catches fire in Salford
An empty charter train derailed and caught fire yesterday, causing delays and cancellations to services across the North West.
The West Coast Railways train came off the tracks on Windsor bridge in Manchester City Centre, and no-one was hurt. Four people were on board, including the driver and an engineer.
The rear diesel locomotive caught fire in the afternoon and fire crews and police were called to the scene. The incident has been reported to the RAIB.
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “BTP officers were called to the rail line close to Wilburn Street, Salford, following a report of a train carriage on fire. BTP and Greater Manchester Police officers attended the incident, which was reported to BTP at 2.45pm. One of the carriages of the train, a chartered service run by West Coast Railways, has derailed from the rail line but remains upright.
“No passengers were on board the train at the time of incident and the driver is safe and well. Officers, along with other emergency services and agencies, will be working to establish the full circumstances.”
Replacement bus services have been running and train tickets were accepted on Metrolink yesterday.
Today Northern Rail issued the following notice on its website:
Preston to Buxton/Hazel Grove services are cancelled until further notice
Buxton/Hazel Grove to Preston services are terminating at Manchester Piccadilly
Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Airport services are cancelled until further notice
Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria services will start / terminate at Earlestown
Southport to Manchester Airport services are diverting into Manchester Victoria
Kirby to Manchester Victoria services will start / terminate at Wigan Wallgate
Southport to Manchester Victoria services will start / terminate at Salford Crescent
The following services are running normally, although may be busier than usual and are subject to delays:
Manchester Oxford Road to Liverpool Lime Street via Warrington
Manchester Victoria to Blackpool
Manchester Victoria to Wigan via Bolton
Manchester Victoria to Clitheroe via Blackburn
Rail Replacement Buses will operate between:
Manchester Oxford Road to Salford Crescent
Manchester Victoria to Earlestown
(Image: PA Wire)
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