A packed passenger train has crashed into an escaped herd of cows causing chaos on a train travelling through Oxfordshire
The 2.45pm Crosscountry Trains service between Bournemouth and Manchester stopped after hitting the farm animals near the village of Tackley, north of Oxford, a company spokesman said.
Drew Benvie, UK managing director of the Hotwire Group of PR companies is one of the passengers still stranded on the train. Speaking to The Huffington Post UK he said:
"About two hours ago, we crashed. It felt like the train had derailed, and then we saw things flying through the air.
"We travelled about a mile with something dragging underneath the train. The train is full, and we have been told the engine won't turn on.
"We're stuck somewhere near Bicester. We are by Woodstock stuck on a bridge. We are surrounded by fields in the middle of nowhere.
"We've just been offered food and drink but we don't know when we can get off. People were in tears when we first hit the cattle.
"Everyone is pretty shaken up."
The Crosscountry spokesman said that the train "was involved in an incident with farm animals that had strayed onto the line.
"The train is currently at a stand at the site awaiting an inspection."
The train remained on the rails while they awaited rescue and no passengers were reported injured, he added.
The line was closed between Oxford and Banbury.
The train will be taken to Banbury where the passengers will be taken off.
Passengers are being advised to use routes through London. Rail replacement buses are also being organised.
Drew Benvie, tweeted from on board the stationary train that he had been told they hit 12 cows, five minutes after leaving Oxford.
The Londoner added: "Everyone incl driver is ok. People saw a vehicle and a lot of blood... We're being assured it was a herd of cattle.."