Train operator GNER's statement

The GNER train like this one had left Newcastle in north east England

LONDON, England (CNN) -- In a statement train operator GNER said that the passenger train had remained upright after hitting the Land Rover but was subsequently derailed by the collision with the freight train.

"GNER confirms that its 0445 Newcastle to London Kings Cross service was involved in a collision today at 0612 at Great Heck on the east coast main line between York and Doncaster.

"The southbound 225 electric train is believed to have struck a car and trailer which had left the road above the railway line.

REFERENCE Selby Train Crash   •  Collision map   •  Motorist's 999 call   •  'Like a bomb'   •  Emergency response   •  The day in quotes   •  Official reaction   •  Blow to UK railroads   •  Rail company statement   •  UK rail crash timeline

"The train remained upright until travelling through a set of points and subsequently colliding with a freight train travelling in the opposite direction.

"The location is close to the point where the M62 motorway crosses over the railway line.

"After leaving Newcastle, the train called at Durham, at 0457, Darlington at 0515, Northallerton 0531, and York at 0559.

"Fifty reservations had been made for travel on the train. It is estimated that there may have been up to 100 passengers on board the train at the time of the collision. All nine coaches of the GNER train are reported to have been de-railed by the collision.

"GNER is running services between London and Leeds. A train shuttle service is running between York and Newcastle. Bad weather has curtailed services between Newcastle and Berwick which have been replaced a road coach service. Trains are running between Berwick and Edinburgh.

"Passengers are recommended not to travel today unless absolutely necessary."

Major blow for Britain's rail industry
February 28, 2001
Rescuers faced by crumpled carriages
February 28, 2001

GNER

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.