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Friday 3 Feb 2012

UPDATE: WEST COAST MAIN LINE DISRUPTION FOLLOWING DERAILMENT

Region & Route:

National

At approximately 02.20 today, an electric locomotive leased to and operated by Virgin Trains derailed at Bletchley south junction, south of Milton Keynes. The loco was not hauling any carriages and the driver was the only person on board. He sustained minor injuries.

The derailed unit is currently blocking the lines and has caused significant damage to the infrastructure in the area.

Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have completed their initial work on site, allowing Network Rail engineers to begin carrying out repairs to the tracks and overhead lines. It is hoped that two of the four lines will be open by the early afternoon, though it is unlikely that repairs to the remaining lines will be completed today owing to the scale of the damage.

Passengers are advised to consult National Rail Enquiries before they travel as services on the West Coast Main Line are subject to significant disruption. Currently, much reduced services are operating between London Euston and Tring with bus connections to Milton Keynes for services northwards.

Robin Gisby, Network Rail managing director, network operations, said: “Unfortunately there is quite substantial damage to the tracks and overhead lines following this morning’s incident. Our engineers have been on site since the small hours to assist investigators and are now carrying out repairs to the tracks and overhead lines which have been damaged.

“We hope to have two of the four lines open by the early afternoon, though it is likely that severe disruption will continue for the remainder of the day as we work to repair the more significant damage."

Virgin Trains and Network Rail are working with RAIB as they continue their investigation.