Lucky escape

A motorist had a miraculous escape after her car plunged 30ft on to a busy Cumbrian rail line.

The driver, a woman from Cockermouth, lost control on a sharp bend leading to a railway bridge at Barras Lane, Dalston, near Carlisle, yesterday afternoon.

The car left the road, smashed through a road sign and hurtled down an embankment on to the busy Carlisle to Barrow rail line.

The vehicle came to rest on the middle of the track, facing towards oncoming trains heading from Carlisle to Workington.

A passer-by alerted the emergency services and the woman had got out of the car by the time police and ambulance crews arrived.

She was treated at the scene before being taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle with suspected minor injuries to her ribs.

She was also treated for shock.

The southbound line was closed and trains in both directions diverted down the northbound track after the incident, which happened at about 1pm.

Packed passenger trains continued to use the line, passing just feet away from the car.

Only one train was delayed – for 15 minutes – British Transport Police said.