SVR railcar ruined in fire

A diesel railcar on the Severn Valley Railway used for popular evening trips has been ruined after a fire melted fixtures and fixings causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage.

The multiple diesel unit – due to pull the popular Land Cruises which start on May 10 – was being worked on in the inspection pit at Kidderminster Station when the fire ripped through it.

The carriage, built in 1960, is irreplaceable.

It is the latest blow for the Severn Valley Railway after floods last year forced nearly all of the line to be closed for more than six months.

Members of the society that own it, Diesel Multiple Unit (West Midlands), were said to be very upset today when they came to view it.

The railway today said it may be forced to hire another diesel car now to run the evening trains – but were not sure of costs involved.

Firefighters said the fire in the 1960s green diesel unit had been smouldering away for hours before the alarm was raised by a member of the public at around 2.30am today.

Firefighter Mick Rowland said: "It was the pride and joy of the society which owns it I believe and it was almost gutted inside.

"The fire seemed to have been smouldering away for hours before someone noticed the smoke.

"It had built up and looked at bit like a fog. We were at the scene for more than two hours. We could not get hold of the railway staff to advise us what materials might have been used.

"Some of these old vehicles can give off gases which could be dangerous so the men used breathing apparatus."

Marketing manager John Leach said: "Things like this are always a blow.

"We will work to find an alternative so the services to the public are not affected. We are still talking about an alternative plan which could involve hiring another unit.

"Damage would amount to thousands but I'm not sure of the exact amount."