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Rail passengers held up for hours | Rail passengers held up for hours |
(20 minutes later) | |
More than 200 rail passengers were stranded after a Highland-bound sleeper train hit "ballast" on the track. | More than 200 rail passengers were stranded after a Highland-bound sleeper train hit "ballast" on the track. |
The accident happened at about 0315 GMT and affected the London to Inverness service, which left Euston at 2002 GMT. | The accident happened at about 0315 GMT and affected the London to Inverness service, which left Euston at 2002 GMT. |
About 240 people were on board. Passenger Russell Sharp, said: "It was a miracle it was not derailed." | About 240 people were on board. Passenger Russell Sharp, said: "It was a miracle it was not derailed." |
The train was moved to Carstairs station at 0940 GMT. First ScotRail said buses were taking passengers to Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. | |
The incident happened at Beattock Summit, south of Carstairs. | The incident happened at Beattock Summit, south of Carstairs. |
'Incredibly lucky' | |
Mr Sharp, a freelance picture editor, said he believed the train had been travelling at 80 mph when the accident happened. | |
"The ballast ripped the underneath of the engine and the first two carriages causing major damage to the train and causing the train to come to an abrupt stop. | |
"We were apparently going at 80 miles an hour at the time so it's incredibly lucky that I'm actually able to talk to you now." | |
A Network Rail spokesman said: "The train struck some material on the line and failed. | A Network Rail spokesman said: "The train struck some material on the line and failed. |
"The incident is being investigated." | "The incident is being investigated." |
A spokeswoman for First ScotRail said no injuries were reported. | A spokeswoman for First ScotRail said no injuries were reported. |
"Food and refreshments were provided," she said. | "Food and refreshments were provided," she said. |
"Passengers' details have been sourced and refunds will be made." | "Passengers' details have been sourced and refunds will be made." |
Two locomotives were sent to take the train to Carstairs. |