Two hurt as landslide derails train (From The Oxford Times)

Two hurt as landslide derails train

5:25pm Friday 27th April 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Two people have been taken to hospital after a train was derailed by a landslide thought to have been caused by heavy rainfall.

All 17 passengers on board the two-carriage train were evacuated after it came off the tracks near Clarborough Tunnel in West Portal, Retford, in Nottinghamshire, just after noon on Friday.

Two of the passengers, including the train driver, received minor injuries when the train was struck by debris from the landslide and were taken to hospital, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

The rest were taken by taxi to nearby stations to continue their journeys.

A BTP spokesman said it is thought the landslide was caused by the large amount of rain that has showered the county this week.

In a statement BTP said: "The train involved was the 11.25 Lincoln to Adwick Northern Rail passenger service. The front of the train derailed but the train remained upright.

"17 passengers were on board the service. Two people, including the train driver, have received what are believed to be minor injuries and have been taken to hospital.

"All the remaining passengers have now been taken off the train and taken by taxi to Sheffield and Worksop train stations to continue their journeys.

"As a result of this incident there is expected to be disruption to services in this area and travel delays. Northern Rail is operating a replacement bus services for those passengers affected."

Passengers are advised to seek advice before they travel through National Rail enquiries on 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk.