Part of a bridge over a railway line in Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire has collapsed onto the tracks below, causing travel chaos, with trains between London and Nottingham, Derby and Leicester being cancelled or delayed.
Workmen were seen drilling on the bridge moments before it collapsed, it has been reported.
Network Rail said the bridge was being inspected but “no structural work” was under way, according to the BBC.
Residents living close to the track said workmen began drilling on the bridge about 20 minutes after the last passenger train had passed.
Other residents said one side of the bridge had been sinking for several years and the crossing was due to be shut this week for repairs.
A spokesman said the bridge – which is in an area liable to subsidence – was closed at the time to allow for an inspection of “dips in the road”.
“Our teams have been working on site since the early hours to make the bridge area safe and restore train services following the partial collapse,” he added.
“A full investigation will take place into the cause of the collapse, but our priority today is to return rail services as soon as possible although disruption is likely to last all day.”
