6.38 WAS INCHES FROM PLUNGING OFF BRIDGE

1. THE LANDSLIDE

The train ploughs into the debris at an unknown speed, derailing it

2. THE BRIDGE

The derailed express hits the crossing’s parapet, demolishing it, but miraculously carries on and doesn’t plunge 20ft into the waterway below

3. THE CRASH SITE

The two engines and four carriages come to rest. An engine and carriage end up down the embankment

THE horrific crash, above, could have been even worse, it is believed. Our aerial picture shows that about 100 yards down the track from the landslip – which forced the train off its tracks – is a narrow bridge. The derailed train somehow sped straight across the bridge and avoided plunging into the chasm below.