01/02/2008

Train Crash Driver 'Serious'

A train driver suffered serious injuries today when his train derailed after hitting a damaged footbridge in Leicestershire.

British Transport police said that the train driver was removed from the damaged cab soon after the accident, which occurred at around 6.45am after a truck hit the bridge at Barrow station, causing extensive damage.

The lorry driver involved had also to be freed from his vehicle's cab by a fire crew before being taken to hospital.

The emergency services then freed the train driver who suffered leg injuries in the crash. The driver's assistant was also treated for shock.

Six passengers were on board the Midland Mainline 6.13am Nottingham to Norwich service and one suffered minor injuries. They were able to continue their journeys by cab.

The line is blocked north of Leicester and is likely to be closed for the rest of the day.

A spokesman for Network Rail said that, after the truck had damaged the bridge, attemps were made to stop rail traffic: "An emergency stop message was sent to all trains in the area but the 6.13 Nottingham to Norwich service with six passengers on board was unable to stop and struck the bridge."

East Midlands Trains reported severe disruption to its services but other train operators are accepting tickets from its passengers.

A spokeswoman for East Midlands Trains said: "We are providing some road transport in the Leicester, Loughborough, Derby and Nottingham areas. But it is a very limited service. We would advise passengers: do not travel unless you have to."

(GC)(BMcC)


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