Network Rail is working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to determine how several wagons left the track and came to rest on an embankment and in the river Petteril on Wednesday evening. Initial reports suggest seven wagons derailed.
RAIB currently has a team of five inspectors plus support staff on site gathering evidence and will maintain a presence at the site as necessary, over the coming days.
RAIB said: “We're working with other agencies to secure the vital evidence needed to help us understand what went wrong. Our inspectors are reviewing on-train data recorders, CCTV and infrastructure monitoring systems, as well as collecting evidence from the train and track involved.”
Network Rail said engineers have carried out an initial scope of damage to tracks, a railway bridge and line side equipment like signalling.
Making repairs combined with the challenge of recovering the train’s wagons is estimated to take weeks rather than days. No one was injured in the incident, but the railway will remain closed in both directions for some time.
The incident is expected will cause major disruption for all rail services between Carlisle, Newcastle and Appleby and Skipton.
Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “On the rare occasions trains leave tracks like this it can cause extensive damage and unfortunately this incident is no exception.”