A HISTORIC UK bridge has collapsed after an engineering train smashed into it.
The train crashed into the Grade II listed bridge at Lydney, in the Forest of Dean, just before 11am yesterday.
AlamyThe Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is a former royal forest[/caption]
Dean Forest Railway, which runs steam trains and heritage diesel services on the line, confirmed in a statement that no one was harmed by the incident.
But pictures taken of the bridge show it completely collapsed across the rail line.
The area nearby was also cordoned off around the badly damaged bridge at St Mary’s Halt.
Dean Forest Railway has told passengers there will be a reduced service running this weekend between Norchard and Parkend.
The 133-year-old Victorian lattice iron bridge at St Mary’s Halt in Lydney, Gloucestershire, was only restored in 2019.
It is said to be the last surviving piece of infrastructure from the historic Severn and Wye Railway.
Staff and volunteers are now working with the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
Further updates will be released, said the railway.
The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is a former royal forest, dating back to before the Norman Conquest in 1066.
However, it’s more recently become known as a popular tourist hotspot, especially for movie buffs looking to find some of their favourite filming locations.
Among them is Puzzlewood, a part of the forest known for its twisted trees, rickety bridges and more than a mile of winding pathways.
It was used as a location for the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The forest’s film career also includes starring roles in Doctor Who, Merlin and The Huntsman among others.
Lydney Community Group/FacebookAt around 10.55am a train crashed into the Grade II listed bridge at St Mary’s Halt[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
