WCRC 47 DAMAGED IN MANCHESTER
Published at 17:39 on Wednesday 23rd January 2013
Tags: Derailment, WCRC, Network Rail, 47500
Class 47/4 No. 47500 is pictured between Deansgate and Salford Cresent stations in Manchester, after it derailed and caught fire. GMFRS
Rail services around Manchester have been disrupted after the rear locomotive of an ECS movement to Carnforth derailed and caught fire on Windsor Bridge.
Full details are not yet known, although Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue service advises that around 40 firefighters attended the blaze, after the service recieved a number of calls shortly after 14:30 on 23rd January.
A Network Rail statement said the service was an empty charter service worked by two Class 47/4 locomotives (47854 & 47500) and consisting five coaches. The train, operated by West Coast Railways was travelling from Ardwick to Carnforth when the incident occurred, with No. 47500 becoming derailed. Four people, a driver, engineer and two others were on board the train and walked off safe and well.
Network Rail response teams are currently on site, along with the emergency services, and are assisting both the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch as they look to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Trains are currently unable to run between Salford Crescent/Eccles and Manchester Piccadilly/Manchester Victoria.
