Rail services between Hereford & Shrewsbury are to remain cancelled today (Friday 23rd May), following a train crash that occurred on Thursday.
Network Rail and Transport for Wales have issued the following joint statement:
“The mainline between Hereford and Shrewsbury will remain closed today following a collision between a train and a tractor trailer on the track near Leominster.
“TfW and Network Rail are working together to reopen the line and restore services as quickly as possible.
“Replacement road transport remains in place between Hereford and Shrewsbury and tickets will also be valid for use with other operators via all reasonable alternative routes as well as with Stagecoach bus.
“Customers should continue to check before they travel and we will look to provide a further update at midday tomorrow.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we safely bring back our services.”
Here is a recap of the events that took place on Thursday, after emergency services were called to the Leominster area, to reports of a collision involving a train and a tractor trailer.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said:
“British Transport Police were called to a level crossing north of Leominster, Herefordshire, at 10.40am today(22 May) following reports that a train had struck a tractor and trailer.
“Officers attended alongside officers from West Mercia Police, paramedics and fire service.
“Following medical assessments two people were treated for injuries that are not considered to be serious.
“A 32-year-old man from Bromyard has been arrested on suspicion of endangering safety on the railway.
“Enquiries remain ongoing into the full circumstances leading up to the incident.”
A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Hereford, Malvern, Redditch, Wyre Forest, Leintwardine, Tenbury Wells and Leominster Fire Stations were called at 10:52 on 22 May to an incident with a train, consisting of five carriages and carrying 66 people in collision with an agricultural trailer unit near Orleton.
“Six people have been handed over to the care of the ambulance service with minor injuries.
“Police are also in attendance, as are Network Rail. There is no fire and the train was not derailed but there will be some disruption to the line.”
