The main line between Kings Lynn and London has been closed for over 24 hours after the 10:10 service from Kings Lynn ploughed into a farm tractor at approaching 70mph. The tractor was crossing the line at Hatsons User Worked Crossing near Saddlebow, between Kings Lynn and Watlington.
Damage to the tractor was severe, with one of its wheels ending up under the train. Both the train and tractor drivers were taken to hospital but only seem to have suffered severe bruising. There were no other severe casualties, a situation which a Network Rail spokesman called “very fortunate”.
At that location, the responsibility of checking that it is safe to cross rests solely with the vehicle driver, although the sightlines are around 1200 yards in each direction and the surrounding ground is very flat.
The cab and front bogie of the train, a First Capital Connect class 365, were severely damaged, and the overhead electrical power supply was also disrupted. As the track is single-line at that point, Network Rail has been endeavouring to remove the train as quickly as possible. They are dong this by first repairing and restoring the overhead power, which was re-energised by 10am Monday. The train’s brakes are damaged so it cannot drive away under its own power and damage to the front coupling prevents it being pulled clear. As at 13:45 Monday, an assisting unit has been coupled to the back of the train and, once two skates have been placed under the damaged bogie, the train will be pushed forwards at 5mph to Downham Market, under the control of a lookout at the front of the train.
Once the train has been moved there is “about an hour’s worth” of track repairs to do, and then network Rail hopes to reopen a full service.
The Rail Accident Investigation Board is carrying out a thorough investigation of the circumstances of this incident.
