The house was shaking just like an earthquake

SHOCK FOR RESIDENTS AS FREIGHT TRAIN DERAILS OVER BRIDGE

- HELENA VESTY BRITTON and PAUL

A HUGE emergency services operation was launched yesterday after a freight train derailed near to a bridge over a road in Tameside.

The train was carrying a load of construction aggregate towards Manchester on the Stockport to Stalybridge line and was said to have been travelling at 'low speed' at the time.

Residents swarmed their nearby green after that nightmarish sound and the shaking ground that had left many wondering if there had been an earthquake in Audenshaw.

But neighbours around Sidmouth Street emerged from their homes to see a sweeping freight train on the nearby tracks, with several units derailed tipped over at 45 degrees.

Greater Manchester Police, British Transport Police, Network Rail, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and North West Ambulance Service all descended on the tight-knit corner of the town.

The huge emergency service response anticipated major damage and casualties, with a number of residents acknowledging the reality that the train could have collided with their homes, seriously injuring - even killing - their loved ones.