SERVICES on the West Coast Main Line were returning to normal this week after two trains collided and derailed.

Massive diversions were put in place following the incident, which happened near Shap at around 10.30pm on

Saturday and led to the line being closed for 33 hours. A spokeswoman for Network Rail said two engineering trains carrying materials to upgrade the line were involved and that Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate was investigating.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the two drivers suffered minor injuries and that the Health and Safety Executive along with BTP were involved in the investigation.

Passengers faced delays of between 90 minutes and two hours as they were transferred on to special bus services to Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle, after main line trains were terminated at

Preston or Lancaster. Other services were re-routed via Settle and Carlisle.

April 23, 2003 08:30