Train tracks 'explode' at London station in front of shocked passengers

Commuters were left shocked and unnerved after train tracks sparked and 'exploded' right in front of them as they waited at a south east London station during rush hour.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, a spokeswoman for Southeastern trains said there wasn't actually an explosion, although it looked like there was one.

She said: "It was an issue with the infrastructure of the station. There was a broken rail there that caused electrical arching between the rail and another piece of equipment."

Trains were delayed between Lewisham and Dartford as a result of the incident.

Witnesses at the scene compared the flashing lights to a "firework display".

One man, Stephen Johnson, 18, from Sidcup, told This Is Local London: "A Crayford bound train passed through New Eltham station and triggered a firework display-like electrical fault with the live rail.

"Sparks and bright flashes flew out and a loud crackling could be heard. It didn't halt my 7.43am Cannon Street service at all, but it did make my day a bit more interesting."

And, of course, a number of people took to Twitter to share images and accounts of the incident.

Olivia Rose wrote: "Oh my god New Eltham train tracks just start exploding everyone running."

Another lady said: "Wow actual fireworks on the train track at #NewEltham station just then! @Se_Railway ⚡️💥🚊."

While Ben Hartt managed to get a video (with a bit of colourful language thrown in).

National Rail kept information updated on its Twitter feed, and tweeted when services were normal again.

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