Runaway train goes 4 miles

TWO rail workers jumped off a runaway train which travelled for four miles after hitting a tree, accident investigators said.

The 40mph collision near Markinch station, Fife, disabled the maintenance train’s brakes, according to a preliminary report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

The train came to a rest after reaching an uphill section of track, but then rolled back.

After making an emergency call on the train radio, the crew jumped clear, suffering minor injuries.

The train eventually stopped at a low point near Thornton North Junction after rolling back and forth several times.

Damage to the underside of the train from the fallen tree caused the brakes to be “irreversibly released”, the RAIB said.