Train derails and forces huge stretch of railway to shut down
A passenger train has derailed in Cumbria, forcing a busy stretch of railway to shut down all the way to Lancashire.
Eight people were on board the Northern Rail service when it came off the tracks near Grange-over-Sands on its way to Barrow at around 6am on Friday morning.
The four passengers and four staff members were safely evacuated with no injuries.
But all services between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster were suspended, affecting journeys between Cumbria and Manchester Airport.
Northern Rail warned there will be ‘significant disruption’, which is expected to continue until the end of the day.
Passengers can use tickets on lines operated by other companies, and replacement buses are being scrambled.
A spokesperson for Northern Rail said: ‘We are focusing on supporting colleagues and customers who were involved in the incident and on minimising the disruption this incident will cause to other services.
‘We’re working closely with Network Rail and others to understand more about what happened.’
Network Rail added: ‘We’re really sorry for the disruption and passengers are encouraged to please check with Northern or National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information including alternative travel arrangements.’
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