POLICE were hunting vandals who derailed a late-night train and almost caused a disaster. Passengers and crew had an amazing escape after the train ploughed into slabs of concrete on Raikes Bridge, Lower Darwen. It was only the quick reaction of driver Chris Highton who slammed on the brakes to stop the train plunging over the 50ft viaduct.
The bridge was branded a vandal blackspot following a series of similar incidents on the line.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article