Passengers have been warned this morning of major disruption between Carlisle and Newcastle / Skipton after a derailment involving a freight train.

Network Rail is working to find out how the cement train came off the tracks near the River Petteril just after 8pm yesterday (Wednesday 18th October).

No one has been injured in the incident, but with significant damage likely  to the track and infrastructure, the route is expected to be closed for several days.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I’m extremely sorry to passengers who are facing disruption today while we deal with this incident in Carlisle. Thankfully train derailments are rare and our priority now is to protect the safety of people using the railway, those living beside it and the surrounding environment while we carry out the necessary detailed investigation and complex recovery work.

“We will work around the clock will all agencies to do this and then speedily make our repairs to get the line reopened again for passengers and freight as soon as possible. In the meantime, please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information as the scale of the damage means it will be some time before we get things back up and running as normal.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch said: “RAIB has a team on site at Petteril Bridge Junction near Carlisle following a freight train derailment, which occurred last night. Initial reports indicate that seven wagons derailed. RAIB are working to gather information and evidence in coordination with other agencies.”

For the latest updates on the incident, passengers can follow the Network Rail Lancashire and Cumbria Twitter on @NetworkRailLC.

For up-to-date travel information and detail on alternative travel please check www.nationalrail.co.uk.