Rail travel in Croydon disrupted by fire on Gatwick Express train during rush hour on Monday morning

Croydon Station Fire

Fire fighters outside Croydon station. Pic:@untiemanhatten

 

A Gatwick Express train carriage caught fire during rush hour this morning, resulting in the evacuation of South Croydon station. Hundreds had their commutes disrupted and travellers heading to Gatwick Airport risked missing their flights.

London Fire Brigade despatched four fire engines and 20 fire fighters from Woodside, Purley and Croydon fire stations to the scene at 9:21am to bring the blaze under control.

The fire was out by 10:05am with around 100 people evacuated, but nobody was injured. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

At time of publication National Rail Enquiries said First Capital Connect services between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport may be delayed by up to 35 minutes.

Southern train services said that no trains were calling at South Croydon, and that trains between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport may be delayed by up to 45 minutes.

Update 4.30pm: A normal service has resumed on the Gatwick Express but Southern services running through Croydon are facing delays of up to 25 minutes that are expected to last until 5pm.

If you witnessed the fire and would like to tell us about the experience please contact East London Lines on news@eastlondonlines.co.uk.

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