Festive steam train in collision with hunt dogs

ORGANISERS of a Christmas steam train that hit a group of dogs while families and young children were on board have reported the incident to the police.

The Santa Special, which runs from Llangollen Station to Carrog in Denbighshire every year, ended up hitting a group of dogs that had strayed on to the track while taking part in a hunt on Sunday.

The festive train was travelling back from Llangollen Station to Carrog at around 4pm when the incident happened, leaving children “sobbing” and “traumatised”.

Liz McGuinness, business manager for Llangollen Railway, has said that the incident has now been reported to North Wales Police.

Nobody on board was injured, but Ms McGuinness said the hunt did not have permission to be on Llangollen Railway.

She told the Daily Post: “We are continuing the investigation and have contacted North Wales Police and are awaiting their response. We are giving continued support to our volunteer crew members.”

The force confirmed it is aware of the incident but said an investigation has not yet been launched.

A Llangollen Railway spokesman said at least one dog had been hurt in the collision, but other reports suggested up to four animals were injured.

Charlene Jones was on the train with her husband Martin and two young children Emily and Seren.

She said: “We were on the carriage and my husband hung his head out of the window when he saw animals had been hit. One had been hit from the back end and was completely paralysed...

“There were children sobbing everywhere. The atmosphere just completely changed.”