THE West Coast main line between the North-west and Glasgow was blocked indefinitely after a tree fell onto the track during strong gales today.
The 6.25am service from London Euston to Glasgow was blocked after a tree fell on to the track near Ecclefechan, in Dumfries and Galloway operator Virgin Trains said.
About 160 passengers were stuck on board as a result of the incident at 11.30am.
A Virgin spokesman said: "The West Coast line is blocked north of Gretna and people are being taken from between Edinburgh and Carlisle and Glasgow and Carlisle by bus."
Railtrack, which administers the line, said its engineers were at the site but could not say when repairs would be completed.
The Virgin spokesman added: "Trains are running south of Carlisle but the bus service to Edinburgh and Glasgow will continue for the rest of the day.
"The route will be open for tomorrow but it might be running on just one lane at that section until midday."
Engineers were working to remove the tree, which also knocked out power lines.
Scheduled services on the line would still run, with coaches taking passengers around the blocked section.
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