Detectives from the British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a major investigation after a Transport for Wales train caught fire when it was believed to have killed a stolen excavator that had been thrown off the rails. Police and other emergency services were called in a fire alert aboard a passenger train near Craven Arms station in Shropshire shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 22.
Approximately 60 passengers were evacuated from the train and the fire was quickly put out. BTP confirmed that one passenger suffered a minor ankle injury but did not need hospital treatment.
The incident involved the Crewe train to Cardiff Central at 8:43 p.m., which was diverted via Chester. Photos from the scene show a fire under the cars after the collision.
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According to BTP, the train, which was traveling at about 60 miles per hour, is believed to have hit a mini excavator on the tracks, causing fuel to leak from the train and causing a fire. A second mini excavator was found on the embankment and inquiries were made throughout the night. On Monday morning, detectives concluded that they had been stolen from a nearby rental yard and dumped.
The BCC confirmed that its main unit for serious and organized crime will lead the investigation, and specialist staff remained at the scene, conducting investigations on Monday afternoon. Network Rail is working to restore the railway as soon as possible, but confirmed that services are unlikely to resume on the line before the end of Monday. Passengers are advised to check with Transport for Wales before traveling on Tuesday.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn of BTP said: “While we are in the early stages of our investigation, we are confident that this fire is the result of an attempt to steal two mini excavators, which then ended up on the rails. Any obstacle on the railway line is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to serious injuries or deaths, so we take this incident very seriously and work hard to hold those responsible accountable.
“In this case, the collision with the mini digger led to a fuel leak, which then ignited. We work closely with the Environment Agency to ensure that fuel is retained and any risk to the environment is minimized. ” The British Transport Police appeals to anyone who may have information to contact them as soon as possible by sending a message to 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, citing reference number 665 of 22 May.
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