DISRUPTION continues for a third day for rail passengers on the Weymouth to Bristol line as a major operation progresses to clear a derailed freight train from the tracks in Somerset.

The line remains closed between Westbury, Wiltshire, and Castle Cary, Somerset, due to the stricken stone train. Some of the 100-tonne wagons became derailed as they travelled over East Somerset junction on Monday night.

A huge operation was launched to clear the train, and this is set to go on until Saturday. Some track and equipment severely damaged in the incident also has to be replaced.

The derailed freight wagons are being moved by crane and/or scrapped on site, says operator Great Western Railway.

The blockage means the line is closed to all trains. Buses are being laid on between Castle Cary and Frome/Westbury.

In an update today, a Network Rail spokesman said: "Engineers continue working around the clock to reopen the rail lines blocked between Westbury and Castle Cary.

"The freight derailment incident on Monday evening caused significant damage to the railway, ripping up track and sleepers, and derailing several freight wagons full of stone aggregate.

"Specialist engineering equipment and cranes are now on site and works are progressing to remove the damaged rail freight wagons to enable sections of the railway track to be removed and replaced."

He added: "The line between Westbury and Castle Cary is likely to remain closed until Saturday, March 25.

"Rail replacement services will continue operating between Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome, with high speed services between London Paddington and the West diverted via Bristol with longer journey times.

"A further update on progress will be issued tomorrow. ”