Car Driven onto Live Railway Tracks During Police Chase Near Melksham, Causing Major Disruption
A dramatic pre-dawn incident on Tuesday saw a vehicle driven directly onto a live railway line during a police pursuit, leading to three arrests and significant travel disruption across Wiltshire. The event highlights the extreme dangers of such actions and the cascading impact on critical national infrastructure.
The Chase and Critical Moments on the Tracks
At approximately 2:30 a.m., roads policing officers from Wiltshire Police initiated a pursuit of a silver Vauxhall Insignia. The vehicle, which was linked to multiple thefts, failed to stop for officers. The driver then made the fateful decision to steer the car onto a active railway line near Melksham. The driver of an oncoming freight train demonstrated remarkable alertness, executing an emergency stop that narrowly avoided a catastrophic collision with the car and its fleeing occupants.
Arrests and Police Response
Following the incident, two men were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including dangerous driving and failing to stop. A third individual, a woman, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. A spokesperson for the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Unit underscored the recklessness of the act with a stark reminder: “Reminder of the day: cars aren’t trains.” This incident serves as a stark case study in how criminal flight from police can create unforeseen public safety emergencies far beyond the initial pursuit.
Significant Rail Disruption and Recovery Operation
The obstruction of the track between Chippenham and Trowbridge has paralyzed rail services on this vital corridor. Great Western Railway (GWR) confirmed the line is completely blocked. As a result:
- Trains cannot run between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
- Services between Swindon and Westbury are being diverted via an alternative route, but this means Melksham station is not being served.
- Disruption is expected to persist until approximately 12:00 on 17/03.
Network Rail has taken charge of the scene. Recovery is complex; Wiltshire 999s understands that a heavy-lift crane may be sourced to remove the car from the tracks safely, a process that requires meticulous planning to ensure no further damage to the rail infrastructure.
This incident illustrates the interconnected nature of modern transport systems and how a single criminal act can disrupt thousands of passenger journeys and national freight logistics. The swift actions of the train driver and the coordinated response of police and rail authorities prevented a potential tragedy and are now focused on restoring normal service.
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Image Credit: www.wiltshire999s.co.uk
