A “do not travel” alert has been issued following the derailment of a freight train on a major route between England and Scotland.
Services are being cancelled and delayed due to the incident, which took place on the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Oxenholme Lake District on Wednesday night, National Rail Enquiries said.
Some lines are blocked and a very limited train service is running on the line that remains open.
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Train operators Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express issued the “do not travel” alert, urging passengers not to attempt to use their services for journeys between Preston and Scotland on Thursday.
Ticket holders can delay journeys until Friday or travel with other operators.
Network Rail was approached for a comment.
Network Rail’s acting North West route strategy director Kara Wood said: “We’re sorry to passengers affected by the derailment.
“We have specialist repair teams on site working as fast as they can to make the railway safe. “Disruption is expected for the rest of the day, so we’re urging people to plan their journeys and check before they travel with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries.”
