A train shockingly derailed at Kirkby station this evening after hitting a buffer stop, operator Merseyrail has now confirmed.
Investigators today launched a probe into how the train managed to leave the tracks in such dangerous fashion just after 6.30pm, leaving behind very significant damage.
It has now emerged the driver of the Merseyrail service was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure.
Twelve passengers were on board the 6.35pm travelling from Knowsley toward Liverpool, along with two crew members.
They were described as "walking wounded" with minor injuries.
The passengers all managed to walk off the train following the smash, and were checked at the scene by paramedics.
They did not need additional medical treatment, but the train driver was taken to hospital.
The train struck the buffer stop, a device designed to prevent railway vehicles going past the end of a physical section of track.
It happened as the Merseyrail service was travelling into the station.
The derailment caused a massive amount of damage and photos from the scene in Kirkby revealed a significant amount of debris, rubble and smashed up concrete.
Sections at the side of the platform appeared to have caved in due to the impact.
The accident prompted a huge emergency presence at Kirkby train station and in the hours that followed an urgent meeting was held between officials from Merseyrail, Network Rail, Merseyside Fire Service, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, British Transport Police and Knowsley Council.
Reports from the fire service that the train also hit a bridge remain unconfirmed, and Merseyrail were unclear on that point.
A Merseyrail spokesperson told the ECHO: “This evening the 18:35 train from Kirkby to Liverpool collided with the buffer stop at Kirkby station and derailed.
"Twelve passengers and two crew members were on board the train.
"All passengers and staff were checked by paramedics at the scene and no further medical treatment was required.
Find the number of people vaccinated near you by entering your postcode below:
"The driver has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
“A full investigation is now underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident and Kirkby station will remain closed until further notice.
“Tonight Kirkby services are terminating at Rice Lane and rail replacement buses are operating to Fazakerley and Kirkby.
"Anyone wishing to travel to Fazakerley or Kirkby from tomorrow should board Ormskirk services to Aintree where a rail replacement bus is in operation calling at Fazakerley and Kirkby stations."
A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said: "We got the call at 18:55 to Kirkby Railway Station.
"We dispatched our hazardous area response team, an operations commander, an advanced paramedic, two ambulance crews and a rapid response paramedic.
Can you help us keep Merseyside covered?
"The air ambulance crew attended in their car.
"Twelve patients assessed on scene and only one went to Aintree Hospital for further treatment."
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: "We were called to Kirkby railway station, Merseyside, at 7.01pm today (13 March) following reports that a train derailed while travelling into the station.
"Officers, paramedics and fire services attended – thankfully no one sustained serious injuries.
"Enquiries are ongoing and we are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding the incident."
Travel disruption at Kirkby will remain for some time, National Rail said.
In an update, they added: "Disruption at Kirkby will continue until at least of the end of the day on Sunday 14 March and will likely impact all trains from Kirkby (Including Northern and Merseyrail services) from Monday 15 March.
"On Sunday, trains will not run between Liverpool Central and Kirkby.
"Customers should use Ormskirk Line services.
"For Rice Lane customers should use Walton station and walk to Rice Lane.
"For Fazakerley and Kirkby there will be a replacement bus running from Aintree."
.jpg?w=600)
