West Midlands Railway has issued an update after a freight train derailment caused significant damage to infrastructure near Wolverhampton last night, leading to widespread rail chaos. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday 5 May, involved a low-speed derailment between Wolverhampton and Bilbrook, blocking all lines and damaging overhead electric wires.
Damage and Disruption
Support structures holding the overhead wires were also knocked down, rendering the route unsafe for trains. National Rail confirmed that all lines between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury are disrupted today, Wednesday 6 May, with trains running between these stations potentially cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes, or revised. Major disruption is expected to last until the end of the day.
West Midlands Railway Statement
In its latest update, West Midlands Railway stated: “Due to a low-speed derailment of a freight train on the line between Wolverhampton and Bilbrook last night (5 May), train services are currently unable to run between Telford and Wolverhampton, with rail replacement services in operation. Passengers are advised to check their journey times before travelling. Any passenger delayed by 15 minutes or more as a result of this incident can claim compensation via the Delay Repay scheme. For up-to-date information, visit our website or social media channels.”
Emergency Timetable and Replacement Services
Repair work is expected to continue into Thursday 7 May as engineers assess and fix the damage. To assist passengers, a limited emergency timetable has been introduced. Shuttle train services are operating between Shrewsbury and Telford, as well as between Birmingham and Wolverhampton via alternative routes. Rail replacement buses are also running between Wolverhampton and Telford in both directions.
Passengers travelling between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury are advised to change at Wolverhampton or Telford Central and continue their journey using replacement buses and modified train services. Transport officials urge people to check journey planners before travelling and consider delaying trips where possible.
