Train hit by 'gravel' shower

WAGN say the driver was not aware and continued his journey

An investigation has started after commuters were left terrified when their train was battered by a shower of gravel.

A West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN) train was involved in the incident, believed to have been caused by overnight engineering work or vandalism, on Friday.

The train, the 0705 BST from Stevenage to Moorgate service, had just left Alexandra Palace station, north London.

Passenger Anne Lowe, 29, said the sudden burst of stones had scared the passengers.

"It was the most terrifying journey of my life and I have commuted on this line almost every day for 11 years," she said.

"All of a sudden stones or gravel on the track started flying through the air hitting the train's sides and windows.

It was like driving past a gritting lorry in winter except the stones were huge Anne Lowe, passenger

"It was like driving past a gritting lorry in winter except the stones were huge."

She said the carriages filled with dust immediately after the incident.

A WAGN spokeswoman said they had started an investigation and interviewed the driver.

He said: "We have looked into it, the train was checked but there was no damage.

"The driver was not aware of anything as he was driving the train.

"We understand it may have been worrying to customers and apologise if there was any concern, but there were no safety issues resulting from the incident."

He said ballast on the track had probably piled up higher than normal during engineering work and something on the train had caught it.

"The other alternative is that somebody may have thrown something at the train," he said.

He added that Network Rail had been informed.