News

A BARNSLEY passenger train crashed into a large concrete boulder that vandals had left on the track and narrowly missed derailing.

An officer from British Transport Police (BTP) said the train had a ‘lucky escape’ after the crash at 2.10pm on Sunday (September 23.)

The Huddersfield to Sheffield service struck the boulder - which had been deliberately placed on the tracks - at Silkstone Fall foot crossing near Dodworth station.

The driver of the service saw the boulder as the train approached the crossing and was forced to use the emergency brake. The impact of the collision threw the boulder over 80 metres.

Fortunately, no-one on the train was injured but the train was seriously damaged and passengers had to be moved to another train.

Steve Jacques, the investigating officer from BTP, said: “The driver and passengers had a lucky escape as the train could have easily derailed, which could have resulted in serious injury or even worse.

"The quick-thinking actions of the driver, who managed to brake and slow the train down, may have helped in averting a disaster.

“This was a reckless crime and a mindless act of vandalism and I would appeal to anyone who may have any information which may be able to assist us in finding those responsible to contact us.”

If you have information about the incident – or those responsible – please contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting log 209 of 23 September, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.