A train has derailed after colliding with a herd of cows between Wye and Chilham.
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The sighting was investigated, but nothing was found before the collision at around 9.40pm.
About 70 passengers were evacuated. The vehicles remained upright, and no one was injured, according to Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
Because of this, trains are unable to run between Ashford global and Ramsgate via Canterbury West.
A Southeastern spokesman said: “This is a lengthy process and involves using a special crane to lift the carriages from the line before examining the track”.
Work to recover the train is taking place today, and Network Rail engineers will then assess the condition of the track at the site of the derailment before they can allow the line to be reopened.
A passenger train has been derailed after hitting cows on the line in Kent. He realised at this point his radio had stopped working so he jumped out of the cab and ran down the track to halt an approaching train.
A spokesman for Southeastern Railway, the operator of the train said last night (July 26): “We believe all staff and passengers are unharmed”.
Passenger Jonathan Calder said everyone was calm following the collision and Southeastern staff and emergency services are firmly in control of the situation.
People have been advised to avoid Canterbury West and to travel from Canterbury East where they can join a High Speed service at Faversham or Ashford at no extra cost.
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He later confirmed he had been able to get off the train and was “now having a cup of tea in a village hall”.
