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Friday 10 Aug 2007

FREIGHT TRAIN DERAILMENT NEAR BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET

Region & Route:

At approximately 0220 this morning, two of 24 wagons of a Freightliner freight service travelling from the Freightliner terminal in Saltley to the Isle of Grain (a container port on the Thames estuary in North Kent) became derailed. The derialment occured just outside the terminal at a place called Duddeston Junction, Saltley. No-one was hurt and an investigation into the cause of the derailment is underway. There is extensive damage to the track. The two wagons, in the middle of the train, are blocking the route to the East of Birmingham heading towards Nuneaton and Leicester. A rail crane has been called to site and is en-route from Crewe. The present plan is to pick up and re-rail the two wagons this afternoon and into the evening, repair the track overnight and open the line to passenger services on Saturday morning. Affected services: Stansted Airport: Services will start and terminate at Nuneaton
Leicester: The 0603 will run to Nuneaton. All other services cancelled. Passengers can use the Stansted to Nuneaton service which calls at Leicester.
Nottingham to Cardiff: Services north will start and terminate at Nuneaton.
Cambridge: All Cambridge / Stansted services to call Hinckley Narborough & South Wigston.
Bus replacement services will operate:

Shuttle buses between Nuneaton – B New St
Shuttle buses between Tamworth – B New St Passengers are advised to seek alternative modes of transport where possible and contact their train operation company or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 for the most up to date news on services.