Network Rail has confirmed that the railway line between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury will reopen as soon as possible following a freight train derailment in Oxley, Wolverhampton, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at around 8.30pm on 5 May, when a low-speed freight train derailed, blocking all lines and damaging overhead electric wires.
According to Network Rail, no injuries were reported, and no other trains were involved in the incident. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is currently on site conducting initial checks. Once these are complete, engineers will assess the damage and begin repair work to reopen the railway safely.
Damage and Disruption
The derailment caused significant damage to the overhead electric wires and support structures, making the route unsafe for trains. West Midlands Railway reported that the incident occurred between Wolverhampton and Bilbrook, affecting services in both directions. As a result, passengers face delays and cancellations on the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line for the remainder of Wednesday, 6 May, with repair work expected to continue into Thursday, 7 May.
Travel Advice
Network Rail advises passengers to check National Rail Enquiries or contact their train operator for the latest travel information. Those travelling between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury are advised to change at Wolverhampton or Telford Central and use replacement bus services or modified train services for the rest of their journey. Transport officials urge passengers to plan ahead and consider delaying non-essential travel if possible.
Network Rail stated: “A low-speed freight train derailment happened in Oxley, Wolverhampton, at around 8.30pm on Tuesday 6 May. One wagon derailed and there were no injuries or other trains involved. The RAIB is currently on site. Once initial checks are complete, engineers will assess the damage and the work needed to reopen the railway as soon as possible. Services will be disrupted for the remainder of today.”
The wider network may also experience knock-on delays as a result of the incident. Network Rail apologises for the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience.
