UK train derails after smashing into tree as emergency services rush to scene

East Midlands Train

An East Midlands Train was derailed last night (file pic)

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George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 07/02/2024

- 08:22

Updated: 07/02/2024

- 09:40

One person was injured in the incident between Thetford and Harling Road

A train has derailed after hitting a tree leaving one person injured, while others evacuated onto the tracks.

An East Midlands train was travelling between Liverpool Lime Street and Norwich when the incident happened at around 9pm last night.


It is believed the incident happened after the train hit a tree between Thetford and Harling Road.

It is understood there were 31 passengers on board as well the driver and a guard.

\u200bThe incident happened between Thetford and Harling Road

The incident happened between Thetford and Harling Road

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A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: "Our officers are at the scene supporting British Transport Police & Network Rail.

"One passenger with minor injury looked after by ambulance colleagues but no other injuries. Fire also on scene. Network Rail arranging transport for passengers to complete their journeys to Norwich."

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "Two ambulances, four ambulance officer vehicles, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a response car from the East Anglian Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

"One passenger from the train was assessed for minor injuries and did not require transportation to hospital."

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\u200bAn East Midlands Trains service (file pic)

An East Midlands Trains service (file pic)

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Eastern Daily Press reports that train remained upright despite derailing with the front severely damaged.

There are expected to be delays on the line throughout the day.

A spokesperson from East Midlands Railway said: "Trains running through the area in the Norwich direction from Liverpool Lime Street/ Nottingham are going to terminate at Ely Station.

"Trains running through the area in the Nottingham/ Liverpool Lime Street direction from Norwich are going to start at Ely Station."

A spokesperson added: "Network Rail have been working on-site along with our Maintenance team throughout the night. They have confirmed that this line will be closed between Norwich and Ely in both directions for the remainder of the day."

Greater Anglia services between Norwich and Ely have also been cancelled.

A spokesperson said: "Train services between Norwich and Cambridge have been suspended, train services between Norwich and Stansted Airport will only operate between Cambridge and Stansted Airport. At present we have no estimate of when the line will reopen."

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