Network Rail Says Train Derailment Wolverhampton Disruption Runs Into Thursday
A train derailment wolverhampton at Oxley around 8.30pm on Tuesday 5 May stopped services between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury and left passengers facing disruption through the end of Wednesday 6 May, with delays likely to continue into Thursday 7 May. One wagon of a freight train derailed at low speed, and no one was injured.
Adam Checkley, Network Rail's Central route infrastructure director, said the derailment caused extensive damage to the track and overhead power lines. He said the railway's priority was to assess the damage, make repairs and reopen the line as soon as possible.
Oxley Track Damage
The derailed wagon remained upright, and no other trains were involved. Network Rail said the incident damaged both the track and the overhead power lines, which meant the line could not keep operating normally while repairs were carried out.
Checkley 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."
Wolverhampton And Shrewsbury
There were no trains running between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury. West Midlands Railway was running a shuttle service between Shrewsbury and Telford, while Transport for Wales was unable to operate its service to and from Birmingham Airport.
Transport for Wales journeys were starting and ending at Shrewsbury, with Transport for Wales-organised buses running between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton. The line between Wolverhampton and Stafford was open, but some services may have changed.
Network Rail Repairs
Network Rail said it was working with train operators and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to understand what caused the derailment. Checkley urged anyone planning to travel through Wolverhampton, especially to or from Shrewsbury, to check before they travel for the latest information.
"Our priority is to assess the damage, make repairs as quickly and safely as possible, and reopen the railway as soon as we can," he said. "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."
