Corby landslip: Live from the scene

A railway bank has collapsed into the side of a train after heavy rainfall in Corby this afternoon.
The bank collapsed into the side of this train. There is still flooding on the line.The bank collapsed into the side of this train. There is still flooding on the line.
The bank collapsed into the side of this train. There is still flooding on the line.

Dozens of Network Rail contractors are currently on the scene close to the Pen Green balancing lakes after the bank at the side of the northbound track collapsed, covering the line.

The northbound train then ran into the mud at about 4pm, which stopped it in its tracks and the ground continued to fall away, meaning the train could not be moved.

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There is also deep flooding on the track, making it impossible for any trains to pass.

The bank collapsed into the side of this train. There is still flooding on the line.The bank collapsed into the side of this train. There is still flooding on the line.
The bank collapsed into the side of this train. There is still flooding on the line.

Two Midland Mainline trains - one northbound and one southbound - are stuck on the track behind Baileys skip hire. It is thought that the trains had already been diverted along the Corby line after someone was seen on the line at Market Harborough.

Around 400 passengers are now believed to have been walked north up the track to a rescue train.

There are not thought to be any injuries.

A source on the scene said that the Pen Green balancing lakes had flooded during today’s heavy rainfall, leaving the pedestrian track with two feet of water which had then gushed down the bankside.

A picture of the stranded train taken by passenger Will Hargrave.A picture of the stranded train taken by passenger Will Hargrave.
A picture of the stranded train taken by passenger Will Hargrave.
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Engineers are now attempting to clear floodwater and dig out the train that was hit by the bank.

8.30pm update: Engineers on the scene say that water levels from the flooding that caused the landslip have dropped by about 2ft since 4pm. It is drizzling in Corby but they are hoping that heavy rainfall holds off so they can release the train from the mud.

9.15pm update. The rescue of the passengers has not gone well. The emergency services have now been called to the scene to help. The passengers are still on board the rescue train.

10pm update: BTP, paramedics and fire are now on the scene.

There is still a heavy Network Rail presence on the sceneThere is still a heavy Network Rail presence on the scene
There is still a heavy Network Rail presence on the scene

10.05pm update: East Midlands Trains statement: “We are currently dealing with an-going incident in the Corby area which has been caused by flooding. The 14.34 service from London to Nottingham was involved earlier in a landslip near Corby Tunnel. All customers were safely transferred on to another train, the 13.59 Sheffield to London.

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"However, the second train is now also at a standstill due to flooding near the tunnel. Network Rail has confirmed that the route is not passable so we are now working closely with Network Rail, the British Transport Police and the emergency services to carry out a safe evacuation of this train.

“While this is being prepared, our priority is to look after the affected passengers and to provide them with regular updates. We know the train is very busy and we are doing everything possible to get passengers on the move as soon as we can.

“Coach services are being arranged to transfer customers once they have left the train. Extra staff are on site to assist customers and provide refreshments.

“Safety is our absolute priority and we thank customers for their patience during these difficult circumstances."