A RAIL accident was averted after passers-by flagged down a train approaching a North York Moors station bridge which had just been hit by a lorry.

The incident happened at Castleton, as a Middlesbrough-to-Whitby train was about to cross the bridge.

A Dutch wagon driver was uninjured but the 12ft high bridge was closed for repairs until early yesterday morning.

Sgt Cliff Edens, of North Yorkshire police, said the incident was being investigated and the force was considering whether to prosecute the unnamed driver. Extra safety measures were put in for the repairs.

The Dutchman's cab and part of his trailer made it under the metal bridge, but then hit a bump. The trailer hit the bridge, causing serious damage and a cascade of bricks.

Resident Kath Hodgson, who lives close by, was in her garden.

"I heard a big thud and rushed over to see what had happened. My first thought was that a train was due.

"I ran out, but there were already two men ahead of me, waving things to flag the train down. I left them to it."

It also emerged the lorry was involved in a small accident with a car in Castleton, shortly before.

An Arriva Trains spokesman said the Esk Valley train was allowed through under close supervision after 1 hours. Buses were provided during repair work.

Railtrack , which looks after the line, said work continued overnight until the bridge reopened at 6am yesterday.