18th April, 2026
Staffordshire railway releases statement after train derailment
Churnet Valley Railway guard
The Churnet Valley Railway has released a statement after a train derailed this morning.
The incident happened at around 09:40 this morning (18th April 2026) and involved a non-passenger carrying train at Cheddleton station.
Thankfully, no injuries were sustained during the incident.
The Churnet Valley Railway are working with the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
The railway says that this is the first incident like this since they began operating in 1996.
Recovery is underway to remove the locomotive and coach affected.
The locomotive involved is a new locomotive to the railway’s fleet, but the CVR says it would be inappropriate to speculate on what the cause was.
All services have been suspended as a result of the derailment and this will continue into Sunday.
A full service is expected from the 22nd April, subject to safety and recovery work being completed in time.
"At approximately 09:40 this morning, a non-passenger-carrying train movement consisting of empty coaching stock departing Cheddleton Station derailed.
No injuries were reported or sustained as a result of the incident.
We are working closely with the relevant authorities, including the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and are fully cooperating with them. A response team from CVR was immediately dispatched and recovery operations are currently underway to safely rerail and remove the affected locomotive and coach.
The railway has proudly operated heritage steam and diesel services since 1996, and this is the first incident of this nature in our history. We are committed to understanding exactly what has occurred and will continue to support all investigative efforts. While the locomotive involved is new to our fleet, it has undergone extensive testing prior to entering service, and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause at this stage.
As a result of the derailment, services will remain suspended through Saturday and into Sunday.
We currently expect to resume normal services on Wednesday 22 April, subject to the completion of recovery work and safety checks.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."
CVR Spokesperson