TRAIN chaos is set to continue until later this week after a freight train derailed in Somerset. 

The train, which was carrying stone and ballast, came off the rails a 5.50pm yesterday (Monday, March 21), and Network Rail is now warning that trains will be heavily delayed or cancelled until at least Thursday (March 23). 

Nobody was injured after the train derailed between Castle Cary and Westbury, but it cause significant damage to the tracks.

Great Western Railway has issued a statement that reads: "Train services are currently being affected between Castle Cary and Westbury after a freight train came off the rails on Monday evening. 

"Trains are currently unable to call at Frome and Bruton stations. 

"Services are currently being diverted around the affected area, adding around 30 minutes to normal journey times, South West Trains is accepting GWR tickets on their services and replacement transport is operating from affected stations. 

"Network Rail engineers are currently on site, however train journeys through the area are expected to be affected until at least Thursday to allow track inspections and repairs to be carried out.

"Please check before you start your journey at GWR.com."

Services from Taunton to Westbury, and between Weymouth and Westbury, will all be delayed, and Network Rail is urging people to check out travel information before going on their journeys as the delays could also stretch into tomorrow.

Replacement bus services will also be organised.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We are working closely with GWR and South West Trains to put in place contingency plans... including diverting London-West of England services via Bristol.

"No injuries have been sustained but there is significant damage to track and equipment.

"The derailment is significant with the line currently blocked and likely to remain out of use for at least the next 48 hours."