Engineers work overnight after derailment at Church Fenton causes chaos for trains between Leeds and York

It happened during the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, May 4, causing severe delays for services running through Leeds Micklefield and York stations.

Network Rail workers closed the line between Church Fenton and Micklefield closed so essential investigations could take place safely.

As a result, trains were cancelled, delayed, or diverted throughout the day, with bus replacement services in operation for some routes.

Moving the five derailed wagons was a complex recovery process as the engineering train was carrying long pieces of rail, which had already been welded together ready to be installed in the area.

Network Rail teams have now rerailed the wagons and removed them from the site, meaning repairs to the track, points and signalling equipment can take place overnight, so that services can resume safely as soon as possible.

The line between Church Fenton and Micklefield is expected to reopen tomorrow afternoon.

This will allow journeys between Leeds and York to resume.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “I’d like to thank all those whose journeys have taken longer than usual today for their patience, and to thank those living near the railway in Church Fenton for their understanding and support.

“We’re continuing to do all we can to get a normal service up and running again as safely and quickly as possible, and I encourage passengers to continue to check their journeys in advance if travelling between Leeds and York.”

Passengers who need to travel tomorrow morning are strongly advised to check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.