Hole found under track where train derailed

A hole has been found underneath the track where a train derailed, the rail operator said.

The Northern train, with four passengers and four staff members on board, was travelling towards Barrow when it came off the tracks near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria at about 06:00 GMT.

A witness described a "big cloud of smoke" at the scene as everyone was safely escorted from the train.

All lines between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster are blocked and there will be a significant number of unavoidable cancellations over the coming days, Network Rail said.

Chris Pye, infrastructure director for the North West route for Network Rail, said: “We’re still trying to understand exactly what’s happened but what we do know, so far, is that a hole was formed in the track – or just underneath the track – in the ballast and the earth underneath.

“As a result of that, that’s fallen away. The rails on top haven’t been held properly and the train’s derailed.”

Engineers discovered a void in the ground about 150m (492ft) away from the derailment location, which is unusual in its nature, Network Rail said.

Mr Pye said the hole could be situated over the culvert which runs off Grange golf course, which runs adjacent to the line.

Mr Pye also said it was a “real possibility” that heavy rain contributed to the hole.

The area is coastal, and recent wet weather has caused land close to the rail line to become flooded.

All the passengers and staff on the train were uninjured, Mr Pye said.

He added: "It must have been quite a scary situation for the driver, I can imagine it was something they were not prepared for."

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has been called and will carry out a “very thorough” investigation, Mr Pye said.

“We’ve got to fill the hole, we’ve got to replace some of the track that’s damaged, and we’ve not got a clear timeline for that yet," he added.

A RAIB spokesperson said: “Our inspectors will gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a preliminary examination and a decision on whether or not an investigation will be launched will be taken once that evidence has been reviewed.”

Paul Oldfield is a former train driver who lives close to where the train derailed.

He said: “It was about 6 o’clock and I heard a noise.

“I looked out the window to just see the front unit there, burying itself in the ballast with a big cloud of smoke.

“I saw people moving about on the train in high-vis and I thought, well, it’s under control."

Mr Oldfield said he believed an accident like this made the case for guards on trains.

“I do think there’s a lesson here, it’s a remote location. We’re surrounded by water this side. Roads flooded there. The bay on that side is quicksand," he said.

“It was 30 minutes before the emergency services arrived.

“It’s come off the rail quite significantly, there’s a lot of force there.”

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the scene at 06:18 GMT and attended with North West Ambulance Service and Network Rail.

No injuries were reported, they said.

People hoping to catch trains at Grange-over-Sands faced long waits for alternative transport.

One couple trying to get to London were told coaches that could be used for a rail replacement service were on the school run, but that "it might be all right in about an hour".

Another man at the station, who needed to get to Lancaster for 10:30, said he would try to get multiple buses to his destination.

Northern regional director Craig Harrop said: “We are focusing on supporting colleagues and customers who were involved in the incident and on minimising the disruption this incident will cause to other services.

"We're working closely with Network Rail and others to understand more about what happened."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We're really sorry for the disruption and passengers are encouraged to please check with Northern or National Rail for the latest travel information including alternative travel arrangements."

Services have been delayed or cancelled, including on the Barrow-in-Furness to Lancaster/ Manchester Airport route in both directions.

Ticket restrictions for other train operators like Transpennine Express and Avanti have been lifted, Northern said.

Meanwhile, road rail replacement vehicles are running between Lancaster and Barrow calling at Lancaster, Carnforth, Silverdale, Arnside Grange-over-Sands, Kents Bank, Cark, Ulverston, Dalton, Roose and Barrow -In-Furness.

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