Chaos and terror unfolded aboard a Cumbria-bound train as passengers feared they were living through another catastrophic rail disaster, screaming 'not again' when the carriages filled with smoke and came to an abrupt, violent halt.
The Avanti West Coast service from London Euston to Glasgow became a scene of pure panic just outside Carlisle on Tuesday afternoon when an emergency brake application sent luggage flying and sparked terror among travellers.
'It Was Absolute Bedlam'
One shaken passenger described the moment pure fear gripped the carriage: "People were screaming, shouting 'not again' - everyone was thinking this was another major rail disaster unfolding before our eyes."
The sudden stop caused overhead lockers to burst open, sending personal belongings crashing through the carriage as acrid smoke began seeping through the train.
Emergency Response Activated
Emergency services scrambled to the scene near Carlisle, with fire crews and paramedics rushing to assess the situation. Fortunately, initial fears proved worse than reality, with the incident being attributed to a mechanical fault rather than a serious collision.
"The train made an emergency stop after the driver reported a fault," explained an Avanti West Coast spokesperson. "We understand this was distressing for customers and have apologised for the disruption and distress caused."
Ghosts of Rail Disasters Past
The immediate fear among passengers reflects Britain's traumatic railway history, with Cumbria itself being the site of the devastating Grayrigg derailment in 2007 that claimed one life and injured dozens.
Many aboard the service were visibly shaken, with some requiring medical attention for shock and minor injuries sustained during the sudden deceleration.
Rail replacement services were quickly arranged as investigators began examining the cause of the mechanical failure that triggered the emergency stop mechanism.
