Updated: rail delays after metal sheet blocks Severn TunnelRail passengers have endured several hours of delays after a large sheet of metal tarpaulin is believed to have been blown into the Severn Tunnel.
A train was already in the tunnel when strong gusts of wind carried the metal to obstruct its path shortly before midday today. The train was eventually guided out of the tunnel by another train.
By 1.30pm, 22 trains had been affected and nine part-cancellations made following the incident.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: ^Around about 11.40 an obstruction was reported in the tunnel. A sheet of tarpaulin blew into the tunnel, apparently it^s quite windy there today.
^Engineers are on site to check if there is any damage to the tunnel. We don^t expect there will be any damage.^
A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said their services do not go through Severn Tunnel, although some delays may be expected due to the service recovery of First Great Western trains along the Newport to Carmarthen line.
He added: ^We will allow passengers travelling on First Great Western trains onto our services.^
Disgruntled passengers turned to Twitter with complaints about the delays.
Roger Williams said: ^Severn Tunnel blocked by something. #firstgreatwestern train to Newport terminating at Bristol Parkway. Replacement bus to Newport ...^
Martin Weller wrote: ^Severn tunnel closed, can't say how long it will be. I only want to go to Parkway. Shoulda driven
A First Great Western spokeswoman said: ^The 0933 Exeter to Cardiff service struck a tarpaulin in the Severn Tunnel at approximately 12.00.
"All other services to and from Wales were immediately routed around the tunnel via Gloucester.
"An engineer is in attendance and we are working with Network Rail to get the train on the move again as safely and as quickly as possible.^
A spokeswoman for the rail operator First Great Western said she expected services to be running through the tunnel shortly.
