Railway line in West Sussex blocked after train hits barrier at level crossing
Southern Rail said a driver reported his train hitting a barrier at a level crossing in Adversane
Network Rail has confirmed a railway line in West Sussex is completely blocked after a passenger train struck part of a level crossing barrier on the track.
They say the collision at Billingshurst means all lines are blocked.
As a result, trains are unable to run between Arundel and Horsham. Trains running between Barnham and Horsham will divert via Hove.
The rail company said a Southern driver reported hitting the debris at Adversane at about 08:15 BST.
Southern confirmed no injuries have been reported.
Network Rail said staff worked with Govia Thameslink Railway, which owns Southern, to “safely transfer all 43 passengers on to another train".
In a statement, Network Rail said:
"There is an investigation under way as to how these got on the track, and to determine the damage caused to the track.
"Network Rail and Southern teams are on site, and have determined the train involved in the incident has damage to the shoe gear.
"When a trains shoe gear have been damaged, it may be unable to move until it can be towed clear by an undamaged train. Also, Southern Fleet teams may need to attend to make sure the train is safe to move. Southern will also be working with Network Rail colleagues to deal with this issue."
It said the following stations would not have a service in either direction: Arundel, Amberley, Pulborough, Billingshurst and Christs Hospital.
Trains normally running to Horsham after Barnham will now run between Barnham and Three Bridges via Hove.