NETWORK Rail has released striking photos taken from above of the derailed train at Grange. 

A Northern service from Preston to Barrow derailed on the approach to Grange station early on Friday, March 22. 

Four passengers and four members of staff were safely evacuated from the train.

Network Rail is advising passengers that the route will be closed while the investigation, train recovery and repair work is complete. Initial investigations suggest this could take two weeks. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Aerial image of the derailed trainAerial image of the derailed train (Image: Network Rail)

Around 150m away from the derailment location, a void in the ground has opened. Network Rail is working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to determine the cause of the void and the train derailment.

Once the RAIB have completed their initial investigation, Network Rail will begin the complex recovery process. The steps will involve:

  • Using a specialist Network Rail crane to re-rail and remove the train.
  • Carrying out repairs to the ground.
  • Installing new ballast (railway stones) and laying new track over the affected area.

Chris Pye from Network Rail said: "On the rare occasions trains leave tracks like this it can cause extensive damage and unfortunately this incident is no exception. The additional problem with the ground conditions means this is an especially complicated recovery process.

“I understand this will be extremely frustrating for passengers travelling between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness. Across the rail industry we’re working hard to keep people on the move through rail replacement buses while we work as fast as we can to restore the railway for passengers and freight.”

The closure will not significantly affect the timetable over the Easter bank holiday due to preplanned work in the area.

From tomorrow morning (Monday 25 March) train services will run between Carlisle and Barrow on the Cumbrian coast line. Bus replacement services will be in operation between Barrow and Lancaster while the recovery of the train and repair work takes place at Grange.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “While services are unable to run between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster, we are working with partners to offer what rail replacement alternatives we can. This includes buses between Lancaster and Barrow calling at Lancaster, Carnforth, Silverdale, Arnside Grange-over-Sands, Kents Bank, Cark, Ulverston, Dalton, Roose and Barrow -In-Furness.

“Disruption is expected to last some time, so customers should make alternative arrangements wherever possible. We're sorry for the inconvenience and delay.

“Customers can always speak to a member of our team at their local station or visit northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates for the latest information.”