An investigation was today under way after a total of 31 people were injured and two taken to hospital when a train hit railway buffers at a seaside station.

How did it happen? British Transport Police and rail officials at the scene after the train hit the buffers. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (23316-5)

The accident happened at 1.50pm yesterday at Walton-on-the-Naze station.

The special train, carrying up to 400 rail enthusiasts, failed to come to a complete stop and hit the buffers at more than 10mph.

Three ambulances and four fire engines were sent to the scene.

One person was taken to Colchester General Hospital with suspected fractured ribs and another with a broken leg.

The excursion, called the Bone Breaker Rail Tour, which left Crewe at 5.30am for Clacton, was part of a farewell for the British-built Class 58s. The remaining five similar trains in the country are due to be withdrawn from service next week.

Chris Watford, an enthusiast from Frinton who witnessed the incident, said: "There was one hell of a bang followed by a cracking sound."

Passengers reported a sudden jolt as the 600 ton train pulled by a diesel locomotive slowed for the station but did not stop until it hit the buffers.

Acting Sgt Alan Reed, of the British Transport Police in Ipswich, said: "The locomotive at the front has been secured and we await the attendance of an expert who will examine the q-tron, which is like a black box which shows speed, braking and directional travel.

"At this stage I can't say what caused the incident, but the locomotive will be examined in due course."

Both Pathfinder Tours, which ran the excursion, and Railtrack were unavailable for comment. An inquiry into the crash has begun.

In August 1987, part of the station was demolished when a train hit the buffers.

Published Tuesday August 27, 2002

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