Merseyrail trains were suspended for hours on Friday evening, following a controlled derailment just outside of Liverpool Central at 2pm.
The train was travelling at low speed through a non-public area, and no passengers were on board at the time. Luckily, nobody was hurt during the incident, however the train remained stuck on the tracks for some time – meaning that all services on the Northern line between Sandhills and Moorfields had to be suspended during the busy Friday evening period.
Jane English, acting managing director of Merseyrail said: “Earlier this afternoon, just outside Liverpool Central, a train travelling at low speed in a non-public area of the railway tripped a safety device which is designed to lead to a controlled derailment.
“No passengers were onboard at the time and no-one was injured. We are currently working hard to move the stranded train, although its position means disruption for passengers travelling between Sandhills and Hunts Cross.
“Passengers are advised to check our social media feeds or website for the latest information.”
A rail replacement bus service was provided, but disruption continued long into Friday evening on Southport, Ormskirk, Kirkby and Hunts Cross lines.
The event was referred to on social media as an ‘operational issue’, which led to concern that it had happened weeks before the 52 new trains are due to be rolled out in the area by the end of the year.
