'Mysterious void' sinkhole discovered next to train tracks after Storm Eleanor
Engineers say ground around opening appears to be 'shifting'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A “mysterious void” has been discovered next to train tracks on the Cumbrian coast.
The sinkhole is around 4ft deep and 2ft wide and was found in the village of Harrington.
Engineers said the ground around the hole appeared to be "shifting". Services between Whitehaven and Workington were disrupted.
Network Rail, which manages Britain's railway infrastructure, said in a statement: “Engineers are working to repair and make safe the section of line after the mysterious void appeared yesterday in the wake of Storm Eleanor.”
Phil James, head of operations for Network Rail's London North Western route, said: "Sinkholes are very unusual on the railway.
"We are trying to work out whether this one been caused by a collapsed culvert or sea erosion or both. Either way, we've got a big hole right by the tracks that we need to fill in.
"We're having to run trains on one rather than two lines along this stretch while we make our repairs. We aim to have things back to normal by Sunday.
"In theory running the railway is simple. But in practice, when you throw storms, wind, waves and sinkholes into the mix, it gets more complicated."
Network Rail has recorded 50 sinkholes on the railway in the past 12 years.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments