Investigation launched after TransPennine Express derailment at Newcastle train depot

NCJMEDIA SYNDICATION
Train services running through Newcastle station were subject to cancellations or delays Credit: NCJMEDIA SYNDICATION

An investigation has been launched after a train derailed in Newcastle causing significant disruption to services going through the city.

A TransPennine Express derailment took place within the Heaton depot in the early hours of Tuesday morning (22 March).

The operator said no one was injured, but the incident caused major delays and cancellations across the train network.

An investigation has now been launched and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.

The TransPennine Express train derailed at a maintenance depot. Credit: NCJMEDIA SYNDICATION

Trains due to leave London Kings Cross were cancelled and trains to Aberdeen and Edinburgh all had to start from Newcastle.

Disruption to services was cleared at around 11am after trains were allowed to exit the Heaton depot.

However, the derailed train remains at the scene as investigations take place before a recovery operation can commence.

A spokesperson for the Government's Rail Accident Investigation Branch said: "The RAIB has been notified of a derailment which occurred this morning at Heaton depot.

"RAIB has requested the railway to secure evidence relating to the derailment, this will be reviewed by the Branch and the appropriate course of action decided in the coming days."

Smashed concrete and damaged railings were spotted at the incident site. Credit: NCJMEDIA SYNDICATION

This morning, a spokesperson for TransPennine Express said: "There will be major disruption to our services between Newcastle and Liverpool/Edinburgh this morning, following a derailment during a routine depot move by one of our trains at Newcastle depot.

"Thankfully, no one was injured, and we are now working with our partners to gets services up and running again as a soon as we can."

TransPennine Express issued advice for anybody needing to claim compensation for disruption.

They added: "We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused to your journey today. If your journey has been delayed, you may be entitled to some compensation."

Updates for TransPennine Express services can be found here.


Northern routes have also been affected today:

  • Newcastle - Hexham/Carlisle (Both directions)

  • Newcastle - Morpeth/Chathill (Both directions)

  • Newcastle - Middlesbrough (Both directions)

  • Newcastle - Darlington (Both directions)

  • Middlesbrough - Saltburn/Bishop Auckland (Both directions)

The operator said: "All affected routes are expected to have some cancellations due to the trains that form them being unable to depart the depot."

Northern also said passengers travelling between Newcastle and Sunderland can use their tickets on Tyne and Wear Metro services.

Northern passengers can find the latest Northern travel updates here.

LNER services between York and Edinburgh Waverley experienced delays throughout the morning because of the issue. These problems were declared clear just before midday.