Rush-hour chaos after fire next to railway tracks causes cancellations
Rush-hour travel chaos after fire next to railway tracks causes cancellations and delays to trains into London
- Gatwick Express and Southern services are not running from London Victoria
- Comes after a fire started between Victoria and Clapham Junction this morning
- National Rail have stated that the disruption could last until around 10am
Rush-hour commuters and tourists in London will be hit with delays and cancellations today after a fire broke out next to railway tracks near a major station.
Those travelling to Gatwick Airport and in and out of London today will struggle to get out of the city as the Gatwick Express and Southern Rail services are not running from London Victoria.
Trains from the station were cancelled after a fire started between Victoria and Clapham Junction and National Rail have now said that the disruption could last until 10am.
Services will be diverted to London Bridge where customers have been advised to take Thameslink or other Southern services where possible.
Fire was pictured on the tracks at Victoria Station (pictured above) and was tweeted out by Southern Rail
Customers have also been advised that they can also use their tickets on London buses and the London Underground.
At around 7.20am Southern Rail stated that one of the two fires had been put out.
Then at around 7.50am it stated that the remaining fire had been put out. Lines have now been reopened.
It said: ‘Heavy residual delays are expected, with passengers still advised to avoid travel to Victoria this morning where possible.’
The cause of the fire has not yet been stated but the delays will be an added frustration to those travelling to Gatwick who will already be facing flight delays today.
British Airways passengers reported flight delays due to a ‘computer failure’, while similar problems have also been reported at Heathrow Airport.
A British Airways spokesperson said: ‘We are experiencing some systems problems this morning which are affecting check-in and flight departures.
‘Please check ba.com and manage my booking for the latest flight information and allow extra time at the airport.
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