Wire damage causes chaos for train commuters
Damage to overhead electric wires is causing severe disruption to train services between Bedford and London St Pancras.
The problem, near Luton, has blocked two of the four lines on the route, resulting in commuters using Thameslink and East Midlands Railway being hit by delays and cancellations.
Network Rail engineers are working to repair the wires but disruption is expected until the end of service on Thursday.
👷♀️👷Network Rail have engineers on site and will continue to work to rectify the problem, however a full repair is not likely to be completed until later today.
The damaged section of the overhead wires that has fallen down can be seen in the photos below.📸👇 pic.twitter.com/tQTBagX5n4
— Thameslink (@TLRailUK) February 6, 2020
A spokesman for the Government-owned company said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this disruption may cause.
“We are working hard to resolve the issues as fast and as safely as possible.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding as we carry out this emergency work.”
Other routes affected include Gatwick to London via Redhill, East Grinstead to London, and Littlehampton to London.
Thameslink said journeys could take up to an hour longer than normal.
The operator added: “Trains that are running will be very busy so you might also wish to travel on an alternative route.”