Rail workers escape as train hits maintenance truck near Shrewsbury
Railway workers had to dash to safety when a train hit a maintenance truck on tracks near Shrewsbury today.
Contractors working on the line, close to the village of Hadnall, managed to get out of the way before the impact in the early hours of this morning.
Police were called to the scene near Shrewsbury at 12.25am after the rail trolley was hit by the 22.26 Manchester to Shrewsbury train, which had one passenger on board.
Although the train was badly damaged it remained on the tracks.
No one was injured but men working on the line were understood to have been extremely shaken.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "British Transport Police were called on Friday following a report that a rail trolley had been struck by a train near Station Road in Hadnall, Shrewsbury.
"BTP officers attended the incident, which was reported at 12.25am, alongside colleagues from West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance service.
"The train involved, the 22.26 Manchester to Shrewsbury service, is understood to have struck the rail trolley which contained engineering equipment that was being used by rail staff working on the tracks in the location.
"One passenger was on board at the time and there are no reports of any injuries to them or the driver of the service, who was treated for shock.
"Three men, who were working on the tracks at the time, managed to move out of the way and were uninjured but have been left extremely shaken.
"The train remained upright but has been badly damaged by the trolley, which was lodged underneath it.
"Officers will now be working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.
"The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail Regulation will be informed."
