Picture released of derailed train in Wolverhampton - as disruption likely to last until tomorrow

A freight train derailed in Wolverhampton yesterday evening (Tuesday 5 May) causing significant train disruption today.

Disruption is likely to last until tomorrow (Thursday 7 May).

Network Rail said that the train derailed at around 8.30pm in Oxley.

The train that derailed was one wagon of a freight train. It derailed at low-speed, causing damage to the track and overhead power lines.

Network Rail added that there were no injuries, the derailed wagon remained upright, and no other trains were involved.

The derailment means there are no trains running between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, but West Midlands Railway is running a shuttle service between Shrewsbury and Telford.

Transport for Wales (TfW) is unable to operate its service to and from Birmingham Airport, with all journeys starting and ending at Shrewsbury. Buses will run between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton to help keep passengers moving.

The line between Wolverhampton and Stafford is open but may be subject to some changes to services.

Network Rail said: “The complexities of removing the derailed wagon and making the significant repairs means disruption will last until the end of today (Wednesday 6 May) and most likely into Thursday 7 May.

“Passengers should check before they travel for the latest information until the railway has fully reopened.”

Adam Checkley, Network Rail's Central route infrastructure director, said: "This was a low-speed derailment involving one wagon of a freight train, but it has still caused significant disruption to passengers and extensive damage to the track and overhead power lines.

"Our priority is to assess the damage, make repairs as quickly and safely as possible, and reopen the railway as soon as we can.

"I want to thank everyone for their patience while we do this and would urge anyone planning to travel through Wolverhampton, and especially to or from Shrewsbury, to check before they travel for the latest information."

Network Rail is working closely with train operators to keep passengers moving, and with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to understand the cause of the derailment.