Eurostar hits fallen tree on tracks

9:53am Wednesday 12th September 2001

EUROSTAR passengers escaped injury when a Brussels-bound train hit a tree which had fallen across the track.

About 60 people were aboard the early morning train from Waterloo, when the incident happened near Chelsfield. It is not known how quickly it was travelling but a Eurostar spokesman said it was nowhere near the 80mph limit on the stretch.

He added: “Our driver saw the danger and performed an emergency stop. Thankfully no-one was injured but it would have been an alarming experience.”

Railtrack worked for an hour to clear the line.

The damaged train was taken out of service.

EDITOR'S CHOICE