Cows killed as night train collides with them near to Stewarton

Jun 19 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

RAIL passengers were terrified when the train they were travelling on ploughed into a herd of cows on Monday night.

Six cows were killed and another required emergency veterinary care when the 9.03pm Glasgow to Kilmarnock service hit the herd just south of Stewarton train station.

One passenger, chef Sarah Goggin, said: “It was frightening. We had just left the station and were picking up speed when all of a sudden, the horn started to sound.

“Then the emergency brake was applied and we all felt the impact. We didn’t know what had been struck, so it wasn’t pleasant.”

Sarah, 28, who works at The Jefferson restaurant in Kilmarnock, added: “Luckily no-one was hurt and we were all fine.”

The passengers later made their way home in taxis.

The farmer who owned the cows was called to the scene, along with representatives from Network Rail and the British Transport Police.