Passengers' panic as flames sweep train

Train commuters spoke of their fear and panic today after a fire destroyed their carriage.

A full investigation has been launched into the blaze, which burned out the rear half of the four-carriage train.

One passenger told of shouting and people running inside the train as the blaze took hold of the 8.06pm Wessex Trains service from Bristol Temple Meads to Westonsuper-Mare yesterday.

"I looked out of the window and there was smoke coming into the carriage," he said.

"I was pretty scared. I thought I'd best get out. I pressed the emergency thing and nothing happened, so we were stuck in and couldn't open the doors. A woman smashed the glass to get everything out."

Another passenger said: "We could hear some alarms going off for about four or five minutes and then one of the other passengers could smell smoke, so they alerted the conductor, who said there was nothing the matter. The next thing we knew there was smoke and flames ripping down the carriage."

A total of 23 people - 21 passengers and two crew - were taken to safety from the train at Backwell Common, between Nailsea and Bristol. Three people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Emergency services were contacted by passengers and train controllers reporting smoke at about 8.30pm. A spokeswoman for Avon Fire Service said four appliances and 30 firefighters attended the scene.

She said the rear engine of the Wessex Train was on fire and smoke had damaged the carriages. The engine was "severely burnt out".

Fire and ambulance crews were at the scene for about three hours.

British Transport Police spokesman Jeff Perkins said a preliminary investigation suggested a mechanical fault caused the fire.

The line remained closed until 3.30am today.