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Train derailed after hitting cows on line in Kent Train derailed after hitting cows on line in Kent
(about 1 hour later)
A passenger train has been derailed after hitting cows on the line in Kent.A passenger train has been derailed after hitting cows on the line in Kent.
Two carriages were derailed when the train hit the cows near Chilham while travelling from Ashford to Canterbury, Southeastern rail operator said. Two carriages were derailed when the train hit the cows near Chilham while travelling from Ashford to Canterbury, rail operator Southeastern said.
The firm said no injuries to passengers had been reported and the line would remain shut. It later said the closures would continue throughout Monday. The firm said no injuries to passengers had been reported and the line would remain shut.
About 70 passengers were helped off the train by emergency services, with no reports of injuries. Network Rail said 65 passengers were helped to safety. No-one was injured but a spokesman said it was thought five cows may have been killed.
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "It is believed the train collided with livestock which had strayed on the railway line. Two carriages have been derailed but are upright." British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating the incident, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and Office of Rail Regulation has been informed.
The train hit the cows shortly after 21:30 BST.
British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating the incident, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail Regulation has been informed.
BTP said the front two carriages of the eight-coach train - the 22:10 BST London Charing Cross to Ramsgate service - came off the tracks.BTP said the front two carriages of the eight-coach train - the 22:10 BST London Charing Cross to Ramsgate service - came off the tracks.
A BTP spokesman said it was thought three cows were hit by the train. It has not yet been confirmed whether the cows were killed or injured. A police spokesman said the force could not comment on who owned the cows while the investigation was ongoing.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed the livestock had strayed on to the railway, shortly after 21:30 BST.
'Going nowhere''Going nowhere'
Southeastern said the line between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West would be closed until further notice. Network Rail said the derailment happened in the Godmersham area, between Wye and Chilham.
The rail firm tweeted: "We're putting alternative transport in place between Ashford, Canterbury & Ramsgate and will make sure everyone gets home this evening." Passengers on the train were taken to nearby Godmersham village hall while alternative travel arrangements were made.
It said buses would replace trains between Ashford International and Ramsgate via Canterbury all day on Monday and advised people to travel from Canterbury East instead. Engineers are still at the scene assessing damage caused.
Passenger Jonathan Calder tweeted: "Everyone is fine but this train is going nowhere. Front coach derailed." Southeastern said the line between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West would be closed on Monday and Tuesday and it was possible disruption could continue longer.
It advised passengers that buses had replaced trains on that stretch of line, and where possible people should travel from Canterbury East to join a high speed service at Faversham or Ashford at no extra cost.
During the incident, passenger Jonathan Calder tweeted: "Everyone is fine but this train is going nowhere. Front coach derailed."
He later confirmed he had been able to get off the train and was "now having a cup of tea in a village hall".He later confirmed he had been able to get off the train and was "now having a cup of tea in a village hall".
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