UK: 'blinding explosion' as train hits bike

[John Ashworth]

Terror on the tracks after yobs spark 'blinding explosion' by pushing bicycle in front of 70mph train in bid to derail it

By JULIAN GAVAGHAN
PUBLISHED: 13:40 GMT, 13 March 2012 | UPDATED: 14:13 GMT, 13 March 2012
Daily Mail

Yobs caused a 'blinding explosion' at a railway station after pushing a bicycle in front of a high-speed passenger train in a sickening bid to derail it.

The locomotive, travelling at up to 70mph, sent a huge shower of sparks flying into the air after the booby-trap bike was forced on to the electric live rail.

CCTV images captured the moment the 3.34am Southern train ploughed into the bicycle at a level crossing at Bedhampton station in Hampshire.

British Transport Police later played back tapes of the incident, which looked like an explosion, although thankfully nothing caught fire and the train remained on the tracks.

They discovered images taken just two hours earlier of two youths riding across the tracks.

Out of shot of the camera, the bike was left on the track - leaving it to be hit by the Barnham to Portsmouth and Southsea train on Saturday morning.

Officers hope that the CCTV images will help them track down the culprits.

Inspector Mick Morriss said: ‘CCTV captured two youths riding across the level crossing at 1.34am.

‘Seconds later, out of shot, one of the bikes is pushed back towards the crossing - we believe deliberately - landing on the tracks.

‘Two hours later it was struck by the early morning 3.34am Southern service from Barnham to Portsmouth and Southsea, causing an explosion and sending a blinding shower sparks flying into the air.

‘I simply cannot over-emphasise enough the dangers of this type of crime.

‘Through sheer luck, no-one was injured and the train was relatively undamaged, but the consequences could have been far worse.

‘Trains travel at high speeds and there is a very real risk when they strike objects on the track that they could be derailed.

‘If you know who was responsible, or have any information that could assist our investigation, we want to hear from you.’

Nicola Dooris, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: ‘This was nothing short of mindless vandalism and those responsible clearly gave no thought for the impact their actions had on others.

‘The incident caused delays for passengers and put innocent people’s safety at risk.

'The railway is not a playground and we would urge anyone with information to contact the British Transport Police.’