Holidaymakers catching train to Birmingham Airport warned of rail chaos as services impacted after derailment

A freight train came off the tracks near Bilbrook in Wolverhampton last night (Tuesday 5 May) and it is causing all-day delays to services today.

It has impacted services to and from Birmingham Airport.

It has left key routes out of action and trains unable to run between Wolverhampton, Stafford and Shrewsbury in either direction.

Services run by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway are all affected.

Transport for Wales said it cannot operate trains between Birmingham International and Shrewsbury, with replacement buses running between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury.

Passengers are being told they can use their tickets on alternative services at no extra cost.

Avanti West Coast said tickets will be accepted on services immediately before or after booked journeys.

According to West Midlands Railway, the incident happened between Wolverhampton and Bilbrook, where a low-speed derailment blocked all lines and damaged overhead electric wires.

Support structures holding the wires were also knocked down, leaving the route unsafe for trains.

Repair work is expected to continue into tomorrow (Thursday 7 May) as engineers assess and fix the damage.

Passengers travelling between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury are being advised to change at Wolverhampton or Telford Central and continue their journey using replacement buses and modified train services.

Transport officials are urging people to check journey planners before travelling and consider delaying trips where possible.

Customers delayed by 15 minutes or more may be eligible for compensation under the railway’s Delay Repay scheme.