The 25,000 Volt ac power cable whipped down into the cab of the train as it travelled between Bedford and Luton.

The incident paralysed services on the Midland line for all journeys south of Leicester, leaving London-bound passengers stranded and cancelling all trains out of the capital.

Services continued between Nottingham and Leicester and Sheffield and Leicester while a bus service was organised to take passengers from Bedford to London.

A spokesman for Midland Mainline said: "The driver was injured and was taken to hospital after the windscreen was smashed by the power line.

"He was checked over and has been discharged from hospital and he is now on his way back home to Derby.

"There has been quite a lot of damage done to the cab."

The company said that repairs could disrupt services well into Monday morning.

The spokesman added: "Due to the disruption, passengers are strongly advised not to travel.

"For essential travel, Midland Mainline tickets will be accepted by other train operators, Virgin, GNER, Central Trains, Silverlink and Wagn."