Rush hour train derailed

A London commuter train crashed into buffers at Beckenham Junction station today at the start of the morning rush hour.

The first carriage of the eight-car South Central 6.52am service from Victoria was derailed on impact.

Passengers were said to be "shaken" but first reports said there were no serious injuries.

An official investigation involving safety chiefs, Railtrack and the passenger train company was launched immediately.

One investigator, on the way to the scene, said: "It was a low-speed collision and we understand the first carriage has come off the track. At this stage we don't believe there are any injuries."

Initial cause is likely to be either driver error or brake failure. Although the area is notorious for slippery tracks caused by leaves on the line that is not though to be among the causes being considered. Driving conditions were said to be good.

The crash, however, will heighten public concern over railway safety. During the last year there have been a number of incidents involving near misses and trains passing through red lights on London's crowded commuter routes.

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