A MAJOR investigation has now been launched after 14 passengers were injured in a train incident on the popular East Lancashire Railway tourist line.

On its second round trip of the day, the Duke of Gloucester steam train shunted the carriages, causing the occupants to fall over seating and suffer minor injuries ranging from small cuts to bruising.

The accident happened at 11am on Saturday at the ELR's Rawtenstall station.

A fleet of ambulances ferried the injured to local hospitals, including Fairfield General Hospital, for treatment.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "The 71000 Duke of Gloucester was completing a stock run at Rawtenstall prior to returning to Bury.

"As a precautionary measure, a number of passengers with minor injuries sustained when the stock moved unexpectedly, were taken to hospital.

"An incident officer and engineering staff were despatched to Rawtenstall to commence an investigation into the accident and to examine the locomotive and stock to check it was fit to return to Bury.

"The locomotive and stock have been withdrawn from service for full examination."