Fire on the tracks near Gatwick Airport caused much chaos amongst the commuters and holidaymakers. The blaze, caused by a power supply problem near the airport’s train station, created the disruption which created delay in all the schedules. Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services to and from the airport caused delay for more than 35 minutes. Dozens of trains operating to and from the West Sussex airport were also delayed.
The fire flames melted the electrical cables and a conductor rail which powers the trains. Although two of the four lines were reopened shortly afterwards, the remaining pair will be closed for the rest of the day, causing major problems for travellers through the station. According to Network Rail, the fire was caused by a problem with the power supply, leading to ‘significant disruption’. Network Rail spokesman apologised to the passengers for the delay caused and assured that their engineers took the charge of repairing the extensive damage caused. Although it was difficult to estimate when the railway will return to normal schedule. Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK, with 41million passengers each year.
With the upgrade of London Bridge station, staff shortages, increased sickness levels and industrial action over plans to change the role of conductors, there were already long-term disruption faced by the passengers.
Travellers shared a video on social media site showing clouds of smoke billowing into the sky as flames shot up from the tracks. The platform showing huge flames and sparks engulfing one section of the track.
