A freight train carrying huge amounts of cement has derailed while crossing a bridge and plunged into the river below.
It was travelling across the bridge over the River Petteril, near Carlisle, at around 8pm on Wednesday (October 10) when it came free from the tracks - though the reason remains unknown - and has seen all trains to the city from Newcastle cancelled.
Specialist teams and myriad emergency services are now working to secure the area, though Network Rail said it fears “significant damage” has been done to the bridge and track.
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“The route is expected to be entirely closed to all trains for several days,” said Phil James, north west route director for Network Rail.
“I’m extremely sorry to passengers who are facing disruption today while we deal with this incident.
“Thankfully, train derailments are rare and our priority now is to protect the safety of people using the railway, those living beside it and the surrounding environment while we carry out the necessary detailed investigation and complex recovery work.
“We will work around the clock with all agencies to do this and then speedily make our repairs to get the line reopened again for passengers and freight as soon as possible.”
Seven carriages in total are thought to have come free from the tracks, which is having a huge impact on travel around Carlisle.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is examining the scene, and will need to complete it work before efforts can be made to remove the train and make repairs.
Northern Rail has cancelled all services from Newcastle to Carlisle today, and is only running a small number of services to nearby Wetheral.
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