Overview
- Network Rail said a low-speed freight derailment in Oxley, Wolverhampton, on Tuesday evening around 8:30pm left one wagon off the rails but caused no injuries.
- The incident damaged track and knocked down overhead wire supports, closing the Wolverhampton–Shrewsbury corridor and disrupting Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern, West Midlands Railway, and Transport for Wales services, including links to Birmingham International.
- Engineers described a difficult recovery that involved safely rerailing a 100‑tonne wagon and fixing electrification gear, so operators ran rail‑replacement buses and short shuttle services to keep people moving.
- A Thursday review kept the line closed, then Network Rail said it was aiming to restart for Friday’s first trains if recovery and final checks finished overnight.
- RAIB investigators remained on site to establish the cause, which could shape future safety steps for freight movements and overhead line protection.