Detectives from British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a major investigation after a Transport for Wales train caught fire when it's believed to have stuck a stolen digger that had been dumped on the track. Police and other emergency services were called to a report of fire on board a passenger train close to Craven Arms station in Shropshire shortly after 10.30pm on Sunday, May 22.
Approximately 60 passengers were evacuated from the train and the fire was quickly extinguished. BTP confirmed that one passenger sustained a minor ankle injury but did not require hospital treatment.
The incident involved the 8.43pm Crewe to Cardiff Central train that had been diverted via Chester. Pictures from the scene showed fire underneath the carriages after the collision.
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According to BTP it's thought the train, which was travelling at around 60mph, hit a mini digger on the tracks, which caused fuel to leak from the train and a fire to start. There was a second mini digger found on the embankment and inquiries were carried out throughout the night. On Monday morning detectives concluded these had been stolen from a nearby rental yard and discarded.
BTP confirmed that its major, serious, and organised crime unit will be leading the investigation and specialist officers remained at the scene conducting inquiries on Monday afternoon. Network Rail is working to recover the railway as quickly as possible but confirmed it was unlikely services would resume on the line before the end of Monday. Passengers are advised to check with Transport for Wales before they travel on Tuesday.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn from BTP said: "While we are at early stage of our investigation we are confident this fire was a result of the attempted theft of two mini diggers which then ended up on the tracks. Any obstruction to the railway is extremely dangerous and can easily result in serious injuries or fatalities so we are taking this incident very seriously and working hard to hold those responsible to account.
"In this case the collision with the mini digger resulted in a fuel leak which has then ignited. We are working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure the fuel is contained and any risk to the environment is minimised." British Transport Police are appealing to anyone who may have information to get in touch with them as soon as possible by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 665 of May 22.
