Trains strike shopping trolleys dumped on rail line

Train bosses say lives were put risk by a spate of shopping trolleys being dumped on railway lines near Derby.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said three trains struck abandoned objects in four "reckless" and "dangerous" acts, between Peartree and Sunny Hill.

The firm has issued a critical safety warning after trains were damaged, delayed and cancelled in May.

EMR and British Transport Police (BTP) have appealed for information about the incidents.

On 8 May, at about 22:36 BST, a freight train struck a shopping trolley left on the tracks.

The driver was able to make the necessary repairs on-site and the service was able to carry on, EMR said.

On 9 May, a passenger train collided with two shopping trolleys in the same area, causing significant damage to the train and delays to nine services.

On 10 May 2024, at approximately 18:57 BST, a train struck another shopping trolley near the Caxton Street footbridge in Sunny Hill.

The trolley became lodged under the train and the journey had to be terminated.

A pushchair was found thrown on to the tracks from the Caxton Street footbridge.

Two children, aged around eight or nine, were seen trespassing in the area, EMR added.

The incident resulted in 11 cancellations and more than 20 hours of delays over 54 services.

Lucy Gallacher, emergency planning manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "These reckless acts must stop. They are incredibly dangerous for our customers and our staff.

"They not only have the potential to endanger lives but also lead to trains being damaged, delayed, and services being cancelled."

She urged parents to warn their children about the hazards of going on railway tracks.

BTP's Insp Rich Kane said: "Any act of anti-social behaviour on or around the rail network is not tolerated and deliberate acts to harm or endanger the lives of others will always be a priority of ours."

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