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Train rolls out of its depot without a driver
ON Tuesday, 30
June 2009, just after 11:00am, a three-car electric train took off
without a driver and rolled out of its depot on Merseyside. A few
metres after passing through Kirkdale station, the runaway train
derailed, at Walton Junction. Residents and businesses near the line
said:- "It sounded like a massive explosion." The
garage staff by the bridge and along the side of the track where the
train derailed told us that:- "We heard a loud bang then, the
building shook as if the building was going to collapse!" On
the other side of the rail cutting, another business said:-
"It was like an earthquake!" Yet, some did not hear it or
notice it, as reported to us by Combined Catering Services who where
across the embankment from the accident. Merseyrail said the
three-car unit had been powered down and was stationary before the
incident and that no passengers were on board. Thankfully nobody was
injured in the incident, despite the frequency of trains on that
line. Shortly after the incident Network Rail turned off the
power supply in the area to allow investigations to take place. A
spokesman for Merseyrail told the media that:- "Clearly there
will be an investigation because a train should not move of its own
accord. Luckily the first points on the line did the job and stopped
the train." All services have been suspended on the Kirkby
line, with efficient replacement bus services operating between
affected stations. It is still uncertain as to how soon the trains
will be back to normal. Services have been restored for
most of the day on the Southport line.
To see our full
photographic coverage of this accident, then click
on
here
now!
Southport Carnival 2009
SOUTHPORT on
Saturday, 27 June 2009, was abuzz with two parades. One was the
Armed Forces Day parade and the other one was the Champion Carnival.
This amazing day was just the start of a weekend of activity in
Southport, and what a weekend it was! For quite a few years the
Champion has run and managed the town's summer carnival. The benefit
to Southport of having it here is very high, as it attracts visitors
from all over the UK, not just from Merseyside. This year was the
33rd year that the event has taken place. The first to be held was
in 1977.
The parade snaked its way all along the length of the world famous
town centre, via Lord Street. There were many beautifully decorated
floats in the show. Also taking part were novelty cars, not
forgetting bands, and dancers as well as a local self-defence group!
It was hot and dry for most of the event but sadly, just at the end
of the Carnival; a thunder shower hit, which happily did not dampen
the spirits of those involved.
The participants, who had walked, danced and travelled on the floats
and other vehicles, terminated the carnival in Victoria Park (home
of the Southport Flower Show), handing over to the Veteran's Day
celebrations. Sadly, we have been told that this could be the last
ever Southport Carnival, let's hope not. Well done to the Champion
for putting on this amazing show once more! Oh, and thanks too to
all those who took part.
To see our full
photographic coverage of this event, then click
on
here
now!
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