Listen Live
Listen Again

Passengers face weeks of disruption as investigations continue into how Lancaster-Barrow train derailed

Saturday, 23 March 2024 09:56

By Greg Lambert X @greglam72

Engineers on site after the train derailed on Friday. Image from Network Rail.

Rail services between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness could be hit for weeks as investigations continue into how a train carrying passengers came off the track.

Engineers have "discovered a void in the ground around 150m away from the derailment location" close to the track near Grange-over-Sands following the incident on Friday.

Four passengers and four staff were safely escorted from the Northern train after it derailed at around 6am.

Lines remain closed between Lancaster and Barrow on Saturday and passengers are being warned disruption could last until Monday April 8.

The National Rail website says: "Disruption is expected until at least the end of the day on Monday 8 April.

"Due to there being very limited road transport operating, customers are strongly advised to avoid travelling on this route."

Our photo from Beyond Radio's Beth Pipe shows the train following the derailment on Friday.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "Network Rail is working with multiple agencies to find out how the train came off the track at around 6am Friday morning (22 March).

"Passengers are urged to check National Rail Enquiries at www.nationalrail.co.uk as there will be a significant number of unavoidable cancellations over the coming days.

"As is standard practice with any train derailment, inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will have to examine the scene before any efforts can be made to remove the train and make railway repairs.

"Engineers have discovered a void in the ground has opened around 150m away from the derailment location, which is unusual in its nature. The team are working hard to investigate the cause. Ground conditions at the site are extremely wet.

"Network Rail are also advising members of the public to stay away from the location to allow responders to carry out their work safely."

A spokesperson for train operators Northern said on Friday: "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."

For the latest updates on the incident, passengers can follow the Network Rail Lancashire and Cumbria X account (formerly Twitter).

National Rail said passengers can use tickets on the following services at no extra cost:

  • Avanti West Coast between Carlisle and Warrington Bank Quay

  • TransPennine Express between Carlisle and Manchester Airport

Alternate Northern services running between Windermere and Manchester Airport, and between Barrow-in-Furness and Workington are not affected by this incident.

Ticket restrictions have been lifted during this disruption.

Very limited hourly rail replacement transport will operate between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster in both directions, calling at all stations.

Journey times will be extended by 90 minutes whilst travelling using rail replacement transport.

Customers at Arnside and Silverdale are being advised to contact 0800 200 6060 and alternative arrangements will be made.

Share

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, newsdesk@beyondradio.co.uk

Join our free WhatsApp channel and get the latest news direct to your phone:

More from Local News

On Air Now Beyond The Headlines 9:00am - Noon
Now Playing
Getting Away With It Electronic Download
Recently Played

Recently Played Songs

Up next on Beyond Radio

Download our Official Apps