Train derails 'inches from family's garden'

An investigation has been launched after a high-speed train derailed in Kent.

The train was travelling at a low speed in a sidings at Ramsgate railway maintenance depot on Thursday night when it left the tracks, according to Network Rail.

There were no passengers aboard the train and no reported injuries but a local resident said the train derailed "inches" from a family's garden fence.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said an investigation is now underway to find out what caused the derailment.

“An incident occurred last night in which an empty train, in the sidings at Ramsgate depot, derailed at low speed," the spokesperson said.

"Services are running normally through the area this morning, at a reduced speed.

“There was some disruption to our services, and if any of customers were delayed then they can claim delay repay."

Rail operator Southeastern said on X at 19:25 GMT on Thursday that trains were unable to run between Ramsgate and Minster due to a safety inspection of the tracks.

Ten minutes later, they posted to say the inspection was complete and trains could run again.

At 20:03, the operator said an additional safety issue had been found and that trains were halted between Ramsgate and Minster.

Services resumed at 20:16 but at a slow speed, causing delays until 00:57 on Friday.

It is not yet clear if the safety inspections are linked to the derailment.

Southeastern was contacted for comment.

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