Services on the "Hogwarts Express" steam train, which became famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter film adaptations of JK Rowling's novel series, have been canceled over safety issues.
Safety inspectors said The Jacobite, the train's real name, has faulty door locking systems, which might put passengers at risk of falling from carriages or being hit while leaning out of windows. Such concerns were provided since Potterheads, fans of the Harry Potter franchise, visit the train every year to ride it and witness it crossing the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct in Scotland.
The train operates on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig.
Unexpected Inspection
The train relies on the exemption granted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) which could allow the continued use of heritage rolling stock.
The BBC reported the ORR unexpectedly sent inspectors and found what the operator West Coast Railways said as "a couple of issues of concern." Some of them include procedures around secondary door locks, which could put passengers "at risk of serious personal injury."
Until then, the operator said, all services had been suspended while it reviewed concerns raised in the ORR report.
In a statement, West Coast Railways apologized to patrons for the cancellations and to have the issues fixed "as soon as possible.
"As of now, passenger journeys on The Jacobite have been suspended while West Coast Railways review the concerns raised by the ORR to reach a satisfactory and swift solution to the issues raised," the operator added.
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