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Train derailed after hitting cows on line in Kent Kent train derailed after hitting herd of cows
(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 a line in Kent.
Two carriages were derailed when the train hit the cows near Chilham while travelling from Ashford to Canterbury, rail operator Southeastern said. One carriage came off the rails when the herd was struck by the train, according to operator Southeastern. No passengers were injured.
The firm said no injuries to passengers had been reported and the line would remain shut. Sixty-five passengers were helped to safety and Network Rail has shut the line. A spokesman said it was thought five cows had been killed.
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. The collision is being investigated by British Transport Police (BTP) and rail accident investigators have been told.
British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating the incident, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and Office of Rail Regulation has been informed. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed the livestock had strayed on to the railway.
BTP said the front two carriages of the eight-coach train - the 20:10 BST London Charing Cross to Ramsgate service - came off the tracks. 'Train going nowhere'
BTP said the incident happened at about 21:45 BST on Sunday and involved an eight-coach train which was travelling from London Charing Cross to Ramsgate.
Emergency crews initially thought two carriages had been derailed.
A police spokesman said the force could not comment on who owned the cows while the investigation was ongoing.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'
Network Rail said the derailment happened in the Godmersham area, between Wye and Chilham.
Passengers on the train were taken to nearby Godmersham village hall while alternative travel arrangements were made.
Engineers are still at the scene assessing damage caused.
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."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".
Network Rail said the derailment happened in the Godmersham area, between Wye and Chilham.
Passengers were taken to nearby Godmersham village hall while alternative travel arrangements were made.
Engineers remained at the scene on Monday assessing the damage caused.
Track damaged
Southeastern's managing director David Statham said the track, culverts and embankments on the railway had been damaged.
He said that investigations would look into whether there had been earlier sightings of cattle on the line.
The line between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West will remain closed until Wednesday.
Buses have replaced trains on that stretch of line, and passengers have been advised to travel from Canterbury East to join a high speed service at Faversham or Ashford at no extra cost.
"We do need to make sure that Network Rail are doing all they can to keep line-side fencing secure and also that local farmers do all they can to make sure the railway is secure and livestock don't end up on the track," said Mr Statham.
He added Network Rail spent a huge amount of money and effort keeping line-side fencing secure to keep livestock off the track.
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