Firefighters called as narrow gauge train derails in Leighton Buzzard

It was business as normal at Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway on Sunday afternoon, after service was delayed just before lunchtime when a locomotive derailed.
Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Photo from Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station Facebook PageLeighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Photo from Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station Facebook Page
Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Photo from Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station Facebook Page

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue were called at 11.50am to a minor locomotive derailment on the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. The narrow gauge train stopped between Orion Way and Gemini Close.

A spokesperson for Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway said: “As soon as the incident happened, correct procedure was followed and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was immediately informed and they authorised us to continue running trains.

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Photo from Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station Facebook PageLeighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Photo from Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station Facebook Page
Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Photo from Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station Facebook Page

“An internal investigation is underway to understand the cause, and a written report has been submitted to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) who will also make their own investigation, as is customary in these situations.

“As has been publicised by the fire service, no passengers were injured, but they helped to remove one wheelchair user from the train who was obviously unable to disembark himself.”

Crews from Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and Luton attended the incident, they were supported by the Special Rescue Unit from Kempston, the Water Carrier from Toddington and the Incident Command Unit from Leighton Buzzard.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Fire Rescue said: “Narrow gauge train consisting of one locomotive and four passenger carriages derailed.

“One male adult in a wheelchair was assisted from a carriage, the other passengers self-extricated.”