Train derailment causes serious delays to major UK airport and commuters

Repairs could continue into Thursday

Travellers and commuters alike have been left struggling to get to their destination following the derailment of a freight train this morning which has damaged overheard wires and affected multiple routes.

A number of lines have been disrupted and as well as services traversing the nation.

'Major disruption'

This morning, a freight train came off the tracks at low speeds near Bilbrook in the Wolverhampton area, as confirmed by National Rail.

The organisation said in a statement: "A low speed derailment in the Wolverhampton area means that all lines between Wolverhampton and Stafford / Shrewsbury are disrupted.

"As a result of this incident, trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day".

The incident has caused damaged to the track infrastructure, as West Midland Railways (WMR) said: "This derailment has damaged the overhead electric wires and knocked over the supports which keep them in the air."

LNR and WMR trains are unable to run in either direction between Wolverhampton and Telford Central, according to National Rail.

Delays getting to Birmingham Airport

People travelling by train to the UK seventh busiest airport, Birmingham Airport, have also been affected.

National Rail said: "Trains are unable to run between Birmingham International and Shrewsbury in either direction.

"Rail replacement transport is in operation between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury (operated by Keans, Pats, JKT and Northwich). Road transport will take longer than rail services. Please allow extra time to complete your journey."

People will be able to use their ticket on the following services at no extra cost:

• Alternative Transport for Wales services between Shrewsbury and Crewe
• London Northwestern Railway between Birmingham New Street and Crewe
• CrossCountry between Birmingham New Street and Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham New Street

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway (LNR), Transport for Wales (TfW) and WMR services have been affected. Rail replacement buses have been running between Telford and Wolverhampton, with onward rail travel operating from Telford Central to Shrewsbury.

West Midland Railways have said that repairs may continue until Thursday.

The company advised tickets could be used on selected alternative services for no additional cost.

Avanti West Coast advised customers tickets were valid on one of the operator's two services immediately before or after their booked trains.