Narrow escape as train hits tree

Passengers on a high-speed train in Hampshire had a narrow escape after hitting a tree on the tracks.

The train had been travelling at 90mph when the collision happened in the Brockenhurst area, in the New Forest.

The 0845 GMT Bournemouth to Manchester Arriva Cross Country service was forced to terminate at Southampton Central.

None of the passengers on board the train on Wednesday was injured. The train was taken to Eastleigh for repairs to its wipers and head lamp.

It could have been a lot, lot worse Passenger Mike Pearson

A spokesman for Cross Country trains said passengers continued their journeys on the 10.15 GMT service from Southampton to Edinburgh.

He said it was thought the tree had come down in the recent bad weather.

Passenger Mike Pearson said people were calm on board.

"We rounded a corner and suddenly there was a bang," he said.

"The driver brought the train to a halt very well. It took about five minutes before they announced what happened and it must have been about a 30-minute wait, but they kept us informed.

"We've had a lucky escape, it could have been a lot, lot worse."

The incident caused rail delays of about 15 minutes in the area.