A “do not travel” warning has been issued following a freight train derailment on the key route connecting England and Scotland.
The disruption on the West Coast Main Line, which occurred between Carlisle and Oxenholme Lake District on Wednesday night, has led to cancellations and delays, according to National Rail Enquiries. Several lines have been obstructed, with only a very limited service operating on the open track.
Train companies Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express have advised passengers against attempting to use their services for journeys from Preston to Scotland on Thursday. Those holding tickets have the option to postpone their travel until Friday or use alternative operators.
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Network Rail has been contacted for a statement, reports the Mirror. On X, Avanti West Coast posted: “Do Not Travel north of Preston. Services between between Oxenholme Lake District and Penrith have been cancelled due to a freight train derailment blocking the line. Please do not attempt to travel with us between Preston and Scotland today.
“Customers with tickets dated yesterday, Wednesday, 29 May and today Thursday, May 30 can use their Avanti West Coast tickets tomorrow, Friday 31 May, at any time via the same route.”
Meanwhile, TransPennine Express announced: “Due to severe disruption on the West Coast Main Line, customers travelling north of #Preston are advised NOT to travel. This is due to an extremely limited train service as well as difficulty in sourcing road transport.
“TransPennine Express passengers with tickets dated 29th of May 2024 may use their tickets on today’s services. TransPennine Express passengers with tickets dated 30th of May 2024 may use their tickets on services tomorrow, the 31st May 2024.”
In the meantime, the railway lines leading in and out of Inverness Station are now open after they were closed following a gas leak from freight train. Gas distribution company, SGN shared via a social media platform that their team managed to stop the leak around half past two.
Posting on X, the firm said: “We’ve now fixed the leak to the affected tank carrying gas which supplies our network at #Inverness station. This has enabled the safe reopening of the station and nearby buildings.
“@ScotRail services can now resume. Thanks for your patience while we resolved this issue.”
Police Scotland reported receiving a call around 10:25am regarding “a gas leak from a train in Inverness”. They added: “Emergency services are in attendance and the public are asked to avoid the Millburn Road and Academy Street areas. The Eastgate Shopping Centre and Morrisons have been evacuated as a precaution.”
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