Passengers 'very lucky' after Preston to Barrow train derails

The 5.18am service came off the tracks at around 6pm on the approach to Grange station. All four passengers and crew members were safely escorted from the train. 

Eyewitness and former train driver Paul Oldfield said that this was between Holme Island and the Promenade. This publication has seen a photo that appears to show some damage to the wall near the station where the train derailed. 

The passengers were described as 'very lucky' (Image: Network Rail)

Engineers discovered a void in the ground that opened around 150m away from the derailment location, described as 'unusual' in its nature. Ground conditions at the site are extremely wet.

Network Rail is working with multiple agencies to find out how the train came off. The knock-on effect from the crash severely impacted services across the region, although the Cumbria Coast Line continued to operate between Barrow and Workington. Rail replacement bus services from Lancaster and Barrow were put in place in the hours after the crash. 

READ MORE: Disruption for Barrow train services after Grange derailment

Inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have to examine the scene before removing the train and making railway repairs. Network Rail is advising members of the public to stay away from the location to allow responders to carry out work safely. 

Network Rail engineers investigating the site of the derailment (Image: Network Rail)

Chris Pye, from Network Rail, said: "All lines through this area remain blocked meaning trains are currently unable to run between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster. 

"We're really sorry for the disruption. Passengers are encouraged to please check with Northern or National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information including alternative travel arrangements." 

Robin Tarr was a passenger on the train. He said: "I was on this train and it was very scary as we came off the train and seen what caused - it was nothing to do with lack of maintenance as it was a sinkhole because the amount of rain water that we have had - end of the the day the four of us plus the two rivers and two female worker walked away safely."

Mr Oldfield saw the train come off the track as it went past his house. He said: "I knew what the noise was as I am an ex British Rail driver, I looked out of window and saw the train burying itself into the ballast in a plume of white dust." 

Derek Faulds, from the Furness Line Action Group, said that unlike the line at Dalton and Lindal where there used to be mines, the approach to Grange has 'always been pretty good.' 

He said: "It's never happened before. The worrying thing is if they are going to have to check the whole line in that area, check for possible subsidence." 

He said the passengers were 'very lucky.' 

The train was the Deva Victrix, which has operated under Northern since October 2019. 

Despite the rareness of the event, it is not the first time services on the Furness Line have been disrupted because of a sinkhole. In September 1892 near Lindal a sinkhole swallowed an entire loco, which is believed to be still under the ground. This was blamed on mine subsidence.