The city’s central station was evacuated after the train, carrying two nuclear flasks from Hartlepool to Sellafield reprocessing plant, ground to a halt when an axle overheated.
Fire crews evacuated the station after smoke was seen pouring from the train and the four-hour delay yesterday hit hundreds of passengers on both rail and Metro services.
Coun Joe Lawson, who deals with transport on Sunderland’s ruling Cabinet, admitted he knew nothing of the weekly shipments, which pass through Seaham and the city.
He said: “I wasn’t aware that there were cargoes of spent, nuclear fuel going through the station. I have got questions and they are top of my agenda today.” Turn to Page 2 I would hope that if such things are going though the station, that the emergency planning unit would at least be aware of it.”
British Transport Police said the nuclear load did not pose a danger and the station was evacuated at 2.30pm because of fumes from the axle.
The train is operated by Direct Rail Services, a freight operating company created by British Nuclear Fuels Limited.
Julie Richardson, 35, a financial advisor from County Durham, was one of the many people left stranded in the chaos.
The mum-of-one had been out Christmas shopping with her 22-month-old daughter Holly, mum Jean Lovell, 60, from South Shields and sister Joanne Wallbank, 38, from Hebburn with her two children Billie-Jean, 6, and Amy, two-and-a-half.
“It was just a nightmare – it took me three hours to get home,” she said.
“There was such a lack of communication and a lack of sympathy – it just seemed like they weren’t bothered. It was a complete joke.”
The train continued its journey after being repaired and the station was reopened at about 6.30pm. Metro services were delayed for 90 minutes.
A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: “It appears the train failed after an axle overhead. This is a relatively common fault known as a hot box.
“The fire brigade ordered a precautionary evacuation of the station due to diesel fumes. At no time was there any danger to the integrity of the load.”
A Direct Rail Services spokesman said that all used nuclear fuel was transported in heavily shielded, purpose built flasks. Each is constructed from forged steel, more than 30cm thick, and typically weighs more than 50 tonnes.
The spokesman said: “The nuclear industry uses rail as the primary mode of transport.
“The load remained secure and in no danger at any time. Operational procedures to safely move the train are now being activated.”
Greenpeace nuclear campaigner Sarah North said: “Trains carrying radioactive waste trundle through the UK’s villages, towns and cities every week - and we think the public has a right to know.”