Investigation launched after miniature train derails: Vehicle tipped on its side as families were on board aft
- Were you onboard the miniature train? Email: [email protected]
An investigation has been launched after a ride-on miniature train derailed while carrying passengers.
The train, dubbed ‘Howard’, had been running normally on the Poole Park Miniature Railway until the electric engine struck a piece of debris on the line.
It caused it to ‘jump’ off the tracks and cause the green carriage to flip on its side.
The carriage was carrying people at the time but fortunately no one was injured during the incident.
The railway is operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP).
Andy Martin, the council’s spokesperson for culture, said: ‘The Poole Park train derailed on Friday morning with one carriage, which was carrying passengers tipping over.
The train had been running normally on the Poole Park Miniature Railway until the electric engine struck a piece of debris on the line
It can carry 32 people and operates daily throughout the spring and summer seasons, subject to weather conditions
‘Whilst no injuries were reported at the time of the incident, we understand that this must have been a distressing experience for those involved and our team on site acted swiftly to support the passengers who were shaken.
‘The train was running normally up until the derailment, and we are now investigating the cause of the incident.’
It comes almost two months after another crash on 24 October.
The rail service does a loop around the large lake at Poole Park and costs £3.50 for a standard ticket and £13.50 for a family ticket.
It was privately run for decades until 2018 when BCP Council took it over.
But it wasn’t until October 2022 that it was re-opened following work to upgrade the track, engines and carriages.
It can carry 32 people, is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, dog-friendly and operates daily in the spring and summer.
References
- ^ Gina Kalsi (www.dailymail.co.uk)