Metro morning chaos after van crashes on to tracks at Brooklands

0900 Update: the van has been removed and lines are open however some delays are expected while services as fully restored. Replacement bus services remain in operation.

Commuters faced serious disruption this morning after a van, which crashed on to the rails forced Metrolink services from Altrincham to Manchester to be suspended.

The vehicle blocking the tracks was eventually removed just before 8 am, however  safety checks have to be made and replacement bus services  will remain in operation for most of the rush hour.

Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “It appears a van has gone through a brick wall  and dropped onto the Metrolink tracks just north of the Brooklands stop, damaging the overhead lines and blocking both the inbound and outbound tracks.

“Engineers are already on site assessing the damage to both the tracks and lines and working to resolve any issues, a crane is also on site to remove the vehicle.

“But the process of repair and recovery will take some time and as such Metrolink services on the Altrincham line will only be running to and from the Old Trafford stop until this situation is resolved.

“Extra trams are running to Sale Water Park for anyone who can access the Park and Ride site at that location and Northern Rail services are also accepting Metrolink tickets.

“Ticket acceptance has been put in place on the 263 bus service and we are also attempting to put extra buses on for passengers but I would advise people to allow extra time for their journeys if they use this line.

“I’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this incident may cause, we will ensure it is dealt with as quickly as possible and keep our customers updated.”

“Customers are advised to follow the Metrolink Twitter feed or visit TfGM’s website for the latest updates: www.tfgm.com.”