Passengers injured as cement mixer falls from bridge on to train
Several people were injured today after a cement mixer fell from a bridge on to a passenger train.
The vehicle fell from the bridge landing on coaches of a South West Trains service in Oxshott in Surrey just after 3.30pm this afternoon.
It is thought that 36 people were on board the train at the time when it was hit.
A Surrey Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said two people were trapped in the wreckage of the train.
She added they were not held by debris, but their injuries prevented paramedics taking them to hospital.
Early reports suggested four people suffered minor injuries but the lorry driver was more seriously injured.
Footage broadcast from a helicopter hovering over the incident showed a Premix cement lorry on the tracks beneath the road bridge.
The train could be seen about 50 metres further up the track away from the lorry.
It appeared that the lorry struck the fourth carriage of the eight carriage train, caving in a large part of the metal roof.
There was a gaping hole in the brickwork at the side of the bridge and debris strewn across the line.
Dozens of emergency services personnel, including firefighters and paramedics, were at the scene and the surrounding area was cordoned off.
The lorry left the road at Warren Lane, a short distance from Oxshott railway station.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "At around 1530 at Oxshott in Surrey the 1505 Guildford to London Waterloo service operated by South West Trains was halted when a cement mixer lorry came off an overbridge.
"The vehicle landed on some of the train's coaches. So far, there are no reports of fatalities though it is believed there are several people injured."
A statement on the National Rail website said there were no trains running between Surbiton and Effingham Junction via Oxshott, with replacement buses being arranged.
"Trains are being diverted around the disruption via Woking or Leatherhead," it said.
Network Rail added the incident had taken place on a branch line, not a main line and therefore would not result in major disruption to the rail network.
The site of the crash is next to one of the most exclusive housing estates in Britain where residents include Chelsea captain John Terry and several teammates as well as tennis player Andy Murray. Ashley and Cheryl Cole also lived in Oxshott before they split up.
The Crown Estate is a favourite of Chelsea players because it is close to the club's training ground in Cobham.
Eight fire engines were involved in the rescue operation.
Surrey Police said motorists should avoid Oxshott as Warren Lane is closed from its junction with Sandy Lane to junction nine of the M25 at Leatherhead.
A spokeswoman said: "Drivers are being advised to seek alternative routes until further notice as these road closures are expected to be in place for some time."
