14 hurt in steam train accident

Fourteen people suffered minor injuries in a steam train accident in Lancashire on Saturday.

The Duke of Gloucester locomotive, part of the privately-owned East Lancashire Light Railway, shunted some carriages in Rawtenstall shortly after 11am.

The impact is believed to have caused passengers inside to fall over or bump their heads.

The train, which had come from Bury, is used by shoppers and commuters as well as rail buffs.

Full investigation

However, a steam enthusiasts' weekend was taking place in the area.

Malcolm Vickers, a director of the East Lancashire Light Railway, said: "We are undertaking a full investigation to find out what happened but it would be inappropriate to comment until then."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "The steam engine pulled some carriages into Rawtenstall station, then it uncoupled and went round to the other end of the carriages to tow them back.

"As it's done so, it hit the carriages a little too hard, which has resulted in 14 minor injuries to passengers on those carriages."