A train has been seriously damaged after striking a concrete boulder which had been deliberately left on a track between Sheffield and Huddersfield.
Although no passengers were injured, British Transport Police (BTP) have described the incident on September 23 as a ‘lucky escape’.
The boulder caused significant damage to the under-carriage of the train and was thrown more than 80 metres upon impact.
The driver of the service saw the boulder as the train approached the crossing and was forced to use the emergency brake. The impact of the collision threw the boulder over 80 metres.
PC Steve Jacques, the investigating officer from BTP, said: “The driver and passengers had a lucky escape as the train could have easily derailed, which could have resulted in serious injury or even worse.
“The quick-thinking actions of the driver, who managed to brake and slow the train down, may have helped in averting a disaster.
“This was a reckless crime and a mindless act of vandalism and I would appeal to anyone who may have any information which may be able to assist us in finding those responsible to contact us.”
That’s nonsense. The train might have PUSHED the boulder for 80 metres, but it certainly didn’t THROW it that far.