Merseytravel chaos as dog dies in rail tunnel

Apr 17 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Merseyrail train (320)

HUNDREDS of rail users were left stranded temporarily yesterday morning when a Great Dane escaped and ran into the Mersey rail tunnel between Hamilton Square and James Street stations.

Reports of the dog on the Wirral line were first made around 10am, when the Great Dane was spotted near Birkenhead Park Station.

Drivers were warned to proceed with caution in the area and a dog warden called to try and catch it, leading to slight delays as trains moved more slowly in the area.

However, an hour and a half later, the dog was found electrocuted on the live third rail inside the tunnel which links Wirral with Liverpool.

Rudi Boersma, spokesman for Merseyrail Electrics, said the Dane had travelled some considerable distance along the railway line.

He said: “Somehow, presumably panic-stricken, the dog ran into the tunnel at Hamilton Square.

“I don’t know if the owner is aware, but I’m sure the dog warden will try and track them down.”