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# RUNAWAY TRAIN CLOSES M62 FOR SIX HOURS
- URL: https://splash.themesbykyle.com/runaway-train-closes-m62-for-six-hours/
- Published: 2026-10-14T18:15:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T13:07:56.000Z
- Description: Thousands stranded as a freight train rolls free and crosses the motorway bridge.
- Author: Dan Pritchard
- Tags: News, #breaking

Thousands of drivers were stranded for six hours last night after an empty freight train rolled out of a siding and came to rest across the M62.

The 14-wagon train, which had been parked for the weekend, began moving at about 4.20pm and rolled almost two miles down a gentle gradient before stopping on a viaduct above the westbound carriageway.

Nobody was hurt. Motorists described scenes of confusion as traffic backed up for 11 miles in both directions.

## “Like something from a film”

Lorry driver Keith Naylor, 52, was in the queue when the train appeared. “I looked up and there was a locomotive sat on the bridge with its lights on and nobody in it,” he said. “I rang my wife and she thought I was having her on.”

Engineers believe the brakes on the train were not properly secured. A rail industry spokesman said: “There will be a full investigation. Our priority was to make sure the line was safe and the road reopened as quickly as possible.”

Cranes were needed to lift two derailed wagons clear. The carriageway reopened at just after 10.30pm.

## Chaos on the diversions

Police closed the motorway between junctions 24 and 26 and sent traffic along country lanes never designed for it. One village reported a tractor stuck nose to nose with a coach for 40 minutes.

Local pub landlady Sheila Brook stayed open until 1am. “We ran out of crisps by seven,” she said. “I have never seen so many people in here who were not locals.”

Anyone who spent more than three hours stuck on the road may be entitled to a refund on any pre-booked parking or onward tickets. Check with your provider.