MAJOR DISRUPTION: Trains delayed after collision between tractor and train near March

A collision involving a freight train and a tractor between March and Whittlesea means that all lines are closed.

The British Transport Police has told RailAdvent that only minor injuries have been sustained in the incident

Network Rail’s head of safety for Anglia, Richard Tew, told RailAdvent: “At approximately 9:10 am this morning a freight train struck a tractor at Kisby user-worked level crossing between March and Whittlesea on the Peterborough to Ely line. We are on-site with the emergency services and working with all parties to fully understand the circumstances.

“Three wagons have derailed as a result of the collision and these will need to be recovered. This will affect passenger services between Ely and Peterborough for the rest of the day. Passengers are advised to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries for the latest information.”

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police has told RailAdvent: “British Transport Police were called to a level crossing near March, Cambridgeshire, at 9.11am today (19 August) following reports that a freight train had struck a tractor.”

“The driver of the train and tractor were checked over by paramedics at the scene for minor injuries. Thankfully no one has sustained any serious injuries.”

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“All lines are blocked between March and Whittlesea as services attend.”

“Officers are making enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding the incident”

The incident is affecting CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway and Greater Anglia train services.

Operators are warning passengers that trains may be delayed by up to 90 minutes, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

CrossCountry says that ticket acceptance is in place with LNER, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway and Greater Anglia. Leicester to Cambridge CrossCountry are currently suspended, with rail replacement buses running between Peterborough and Ely.

East Midlands Railway is advising Liverpool and Manchester passengers to travel via London Euston and London Liverpool Street, which may take up to 4 hours to complete.

Passengers from Sheffield, Chesterfield, Nottingham and Norwich are advised to travel via London St Pancras, which is likely to take around 3.5 hours to complete.

Greater Anglia has rail replacement buses running between Ely and Peterborough.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We’re currently unable to run services between March and Peterborough. This is due to an incident on the line between March and Whittlesea.

“We have requested buses and customers should check our website for the latest travel information.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Anyone who is delayed for more than 15 minutes can claim delay repay at greateranglia.co.uk/delayrepay”

This is a breaking news story – more information will be added once it is made available.

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