Rail services suspended as train hits deer near Okehampton

Train services to and from Okehampton railway station have been suspended after an incident involving animals on the line in the area.

The disruption was caused when a Great Western Railway service struck a deer between Crediton and Okehampton. The impact caused significant damage to the train, including dislodging the diesel cap from the fuel tank, resulting in around 500 litres of fuel spilling onto the track at Okehampton station.

The collision also affected one of the engines beneath the train. Once safety checks are completed, the train is expected to return to Exeter operating on a single engine.

As a result of the incident, the line is currently blocked and all services to and from Okehampton have been cancelled. Disruption is expected to remain in place until the end of the day.

Rail replacement transport has been requested, with buses set to run non-stop between Exeter St Davids railway station and Okehampton to support stranded passengers.

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