Engineers work throughout night to clear derailed train in Yorkshire

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.

National Rail confirmed the line had now been cleared in a Wednesday morning update.

In a tweet, the service said: "CLEARED: Trains are now able to run as normal between Leeds and York via #ChurchFenton following a freight train having derailed in the Church Fenton area."

However, disruption to services is still expected until around 1pm, National Rail added.

Speaking yesterday, 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.”

ROUTES AFFECTED

CrossCountry between Plymouth / Bristol Temple Meads / Penzance / Birmingham New Street and Newcastle, between Leeds / Birmingham New Street / Plymouth / Bristol Temple Meads and Edinburgh

LNER between Leeds and Aberdeen

Northern between Leeds / Hull and York and also between Garforth and Church Fenton

TransPennine Express between Manchester Piccadilly and York, between Liverpool Lime Street and Newcastle / Edinburgh and also between Manchester Victoria and York / Redcar Central