Passengers evacuated after tree falls on rail line

56 minutes ago

Susie RackWest Midlands

News image — CrossCountry services are among those affected by the fallen tree, which has stranded a train and caused damage to electrical wires

BBC/John Bray A Cross Country train at Wolverhampton Railway Station. The train can be seen from an elevated walkway, on a sunny day. — CrossCountry services are among those affected by the fallen tree, which has stranded a train and caused damage to electrical wires

Delays and cancellations are expected on rail services in parts of the West Midlands all day on Wednesday after a fallen tree damaged lines and stranded a train.

Forty-five passengers were evacuated from a London Northwestern Railway (LNR) service and had to walk along the tracks after the tree came down at Penkridge, Staffordshire, at about 20:20 GMT on Tuesday.

National Rail said the tree caused damage to overhead electric wires, and lines between Stafford and Wolverhampton were blocked.

Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry have warned services may be diverted and advised tickets can be used on selected alternative services.

LNR and West Midlands Railway say rail replacement shuttles are operating between Stafford, Penkridge and Wolverhampton.

The operators suggest southbound travellers should change at Crewe for services to Stafford, where rail replacement buses will be going to Penkridge and Wolverhampton.

Those going northbound should travel between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton on West Midlands Railway services, where rail replacement buses are due to depart every 30 minutes.

A tree is lying across a residential road with red brick houses in the background. It is surrounded by orange cones and a red sign that says road closed. — This tree also came down in high winds, blocking Oxford Road in Moseley

LNR has said passengers on the 18:33 service from Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street were kept informed by the train crew and escorted a short distance along the tracks, in keeping with safe evacuation procedures.

A LNR spokesperson apologised to passengers whose journeys had been impacted.

"Disruption is expected until the end of Wednesday and we are working closely with Network Rail as they repair the overhead power lines," they added.

"Any passenger delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim compensation against the cost of their ticket via our Delay Repay scheme."

Customers have been advised to check before they travel, with National Rail warning the "major disruption" is expected until the end of the day.

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