Chaos after train derails

Thousands of commuters faced delays today after a dramatic train derailment sent tonnes of scrap metal smashing through a West Midlands viaduct.

Two freight wagons came off the rails near Birmingham's Moor Street Station, hurling rubble 30ft onto the road below.

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One car was damaged and brickwork along the bridge, at Gibb Street Arches, near the Custard Factory, was destroyed in the accident.

Investigators were at the scene today to establish a cause for the accident. They were looking for evidence of vandalism on the line.

Rail users had to get off at Birmingham Snow Hill and walk to Moor Street following the accident at 6.40am.

The engine was pulling 30 wagons of scrap metal, much of which was emptied on to the road below.

Highgate Fire Station watch commander Paul Hamilton said: "Fortunately the wagon did not fall over the side of the bridge."

He said an empty Citroen car was badly damaged. The driver of the train was not hurt.

London Midland trains passing through the city from Cradley Heath and Stourbridge as well as Kidderminster had to stop at Snow Hill station with disruptions expected for the rest of the day.

London Midland services in the other direction were terminating at Acocks Green where passengers had to take buses into the city.

Chiltern Railways services were not operating between Dorridge and Birmingham Snow Hill. Virgin Trains and CrossCountry were accepting Chiltern Railways passengers.

Network Rail spokesman Keith Lumley said: "Two of the wagons are on their side.

"We are awaiting investigators to look into what happened. The train was not damaged."