Rail passengers in Oxfordshire were delayed today after a train struck wooden pallets and cables left on the track.
Network Rail said the 5.02am service from Worcester to London, via the Cotswold Line and Oxford, ran into the obstruction at Littleton & Badsey level crossing, near Evesham, in Worcestershire.
A spokesman said: “It caused significant damage to the train.
“It appears there were some pieces of wood and there were some cables down there as well, but these may have been snagged by the pieces of wood when it happened.”
The spokesman said British Transport Police were investigating the incident.
Trains were able to run between Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh, in Gloucestershire, but morning rush-hour services were badly disrupted.
Buses replaced trains between Moreton-in-Marsh and Evesham until about 11am, when the damaged train and debris were removed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here