SEVERN Valley Railway (SVR) has confirmed that its flagship locomotive has been involved in an ‘incident’.
SVR confirmed that the 4930 Hagley Hall steam locomotive was involved in an incident at Bridgnorth motive power depot.
Whilst not confirming the nature of the incident, SVR say that no one was injured and the locomotive involved is being assessed.
A post on social media, containing a picture of the incident, alleged that the locomotive had travelled light engine towards Bridgnorth and the wheels on the tender locked, causing the locomotive to skid into a shed.
The post alleged that damage to the locomotive includes ‘bent tender frames, the tender tank being damaged, a collapsed brick arch inside the firebox, numerous broken boiler stays causing the boiler to empty itself over the following couple of hours, along with damage to a buffer stop, workbench and crane support ‘.
SVR have now begun a ‘full investigation’ to establish the circumstances of the incident and say that they have informed the Office of Rail and Road, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and its insurers.
A Severn Valley Railway spokesperson said: “Happily, no one was injured in the incident and we’re currently assessing the locomotive.
“We’ve begun a full investigation to establish exactly what happened and we can’t comment further until that is complete. We’ve informed the Office of Rail and Road, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and our insurers.
“Once we know the extent of the damage to the locomotive and its tender, we will commence repairs.
“As the damage is still to be fully determined, we cannot give a timescale for the locomotive’s return to service and will post an update once we know more.”
The Office of Rail and Road has confirmed that it is aware of the incident and ‘making enquiries’.
An Office of Rail and Road spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident and are making enquiries.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch confirmed to the Kidderminster Shuttle that it was notified by SVR about the incident and is taking ‘no further action’.
