Passenger train derailment narrowly avoided after track washed out

A POTENTIALLY serious derailment of a Class 755 bimode unit was narrowly avoided at Haddiscoe, between Lowestoft and Norwich, on January 30, after an exceptionally high tide and strong winds led to a large section of ballast being washed away.

Greater Anglia unit No. 755331 was working the 07.25 NorwichLowestoft alongside Haddiscoe Cut when the driver noticed a track defect and stopped the train. Six passengers were later taken off the train.

The washout was a result of higher tides following Storms Malik and Corrie, leaving the track unsupported. The unit remained on the track and no wheels were derailed. A second unit, No. 755405, was used to assist with the recovery of

No. 755331.

Repairs took Network Rail engineers six days to complete, with some 500 tonnes of rock and ballast used in the reinstatement.

The line reopened on February 6. Network Rail says it will undertake close monitoring of the site, and further protection work is likely.

AL PULFORD Right: No. 755331 balanced precariously on the washed out track alongside the New Cut at Haddiscoe on January 30. Thankfully the driver stopped in time and no one was injured. No. 755405 in the background had been sent to help with the rescue.