A runaway rail wagon shot over an open level crossing forcing two cars to brake, accident investigators revealed today.
The wagon loaded with cement powder ran away from a siding in a Lancashire cement works and smashed through a a gate, earlier this month.
It derailed before joining the mainline, experts said, as they confirmed a probe was underway.
In a statement, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch said: “The wagon left the works and continued to run away on the descent towards Horrocksford Junction, where the line to the cement works connects to the main railway line from Blackburn to Hellifield.
“As it ran away, the wagon broke through the gates at the exit from the cement works and ran over an open level crossing located on a public road, causing two cars to stop.
“A short distance later, the wagon passed over an open crossing on a private road.
“Neither level crossing had its manually activated warning equipment switched on before the wagon passed over.”
It eventually veered off tracks three-quarters of a mile after its ghost journey began.
“The wagon derailed on the trap points which worked as intended to prevent such unauthorised movements from reaching the main line,” said the RAIB.
“The derailed wagon stopped clear of the main line and no trains were nearby when the derailment occurred.”
The wagon had been in a cement works run by Hanson in Clitheroe, Lancs, when the drama unfolded.
A Hanson spokeswoman said: “Following an incident on the spur rail line servicing our Ribblesdale Cement Works near Clitheroe on March 9, we are liaising with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch as well as our rail service providers at the site and have also instigated a full review of procedures at the railhead.
“Safety remains our number one priority and we will ensure that any lessons than can be learnt from this incident are acted on immediately."
