'Several injured' as train derailed
Several people were injured when a train was derailed in Northern Ireland today.
At least three carriages of the 12.50pm Belfast to Derry service came off the tracks at Castlerock, a coastal area in the north-west of the province.
It is believed at least one carriage rolled down a steep bank before ending up on its side on the beach.
A police officer at the scene said: ‘‘It’s very lucky no one was killed, it looks like quite a horrendous crash scene.’’
A spokeswoman for operating company Translink said two people who were hurt in the accident had been taken to hospital but she could not say how serious their injuries were.
A number of others are believed to be receiving treatment at the scene.
‘‘Emergency services and Northern Ireland Railways personnel are all there and we will be launching a full investigation into the incident,’’ the spokeswoman said.
About 20 people were on the train at the time of the derailment.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that the driver was among the injured, suffering broken bones.
It is understood many rocks were on the line at the crash scene, with investigators probing the possibility that it was caused by a landslide.
Later it emerged that nine people had been hurt in the crash as the train approached a downhill tunnel at Castlerock.
None of the injuries was said to be life-threatening, although the driver suffered leg injuries.
Maurice Walker, who lives near the scene, said: ‘‘The lead coach is over on the shore side, it’s keeled over and separated entirely from the rest.
‘‘The centre coach is on the land side and the rear coach is keeled over at 45 degrees along the track.’’
