Over the coming days, comprehensive repair and recovery works will be carried out after a collision between a freight train and a tractor on the Ely to Peterborough rail line yesterday (July 19th).
It was just after 9am that a freight train crashed into a tractor at the Kisbey Level Crossing in Cambridgeshire, between March and Whittlesea stations.
Network Rail is supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), who are yet to release a statement, with their investigation to understand the full extent of the incident.
The collision led to three freight wagons derailing, causing extensive damage to the track, signalling equipment and the level crossing. The train driver and tractor driver sustained minor injuries.
Network Rail’s head of safety for Anglia, Richard Tew, said “this was a very serious incident, and we are working with RAIB to fully understand the circumstances and why this happened."
He continued, “we are thankful that that neither train or tractor driver are seriously hurt, and we are thinking of them both as they recover from the incident.”
“Our main aim now is to safely reopen the line and get passenger and freight services moving again as quickly as possible.”
He added, “we have a programme of works planned over the next few days and we ask that passengers bear with us while we carry out these repairs. We are sorry for the disruption this has caused.”
A full programme of works is necessary prior to the line can reopening safely, which include removing the derailed freight wagons; replacing damaged track; repairing signalling equipment; and repairing the level crossing.
Network Rail said in an early statement that they estimate the work will last three days. The line is set to open early next week, depending on circumstances, further timescales and information will be released as the work progresses.
