Train company LNER has reiterated its ‘Do not travel’ plea after a power failure hit services this evening (Thursday).
This is due to failure of the electricity supply at various locations between Edinburgh and London with disruption across the whole route, affecting Hull Trains and Grand Central too.
One man told YorkMix that he had been stuck in a train north of York station for two hours.
Matthew West from Eastbourne on the south coast said he arrived in York only to be told his journey would go no further.
He praised LNER staff who handed out drinks and snacks but said he was now stuck in York overnight having been told all London trains are cancelled.
He said he and his colleagues will have to book a hotel or Airb&b to spend the night in and try to get down to Sussex tomorrow (Friday)
Here’s what Network Rail is saying:
“We have been advised of damage to the overhead lines between Huntingdon and Peterborough. This means services cannot currently run between Hitchin and Peterborough.
“Earlier on today we had reports from a train of damage to one of it’s pantographs whilst it was travelling towards Huntingdon.
“A pantograph (or “pan” or “panto”) is an apparatus mounted on the roof of an electric train, tram or electric bus to collect power through contact with an overhead line.
“Whilst this was being investigated, it was discovered that the pantograph has become entangled in the overhead lines bringing them down.
“This meant the train could not move.
“Specialist Teams will need to close lines overnight to repair the damage, due to this no more trains will run between Peterborough and Hitchin for the rest of today.”
EDINBURGH
“A failure of the electricity supply at Edinburgh means all lines are blocked. Trains running through this station may be cancelled, revised or diverted.
“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
LNER said “Tickets dated today can be used up to and including 7 November.”
The bad weather caused by Storm Ciaran is behind some of the problems.
On the company’s website it says: “Multiple incidents are causing significant disruption
“We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if you can. There is major disruption and you may be heavily delayed.
“Our teams are working with Network Rail to manage these incidents and to resume a train service as soon as possible.”
Grand Central had posted at 5.02pm: “Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Doncaster and London Kings Cross all lines are blocked.
“Services will be suspended between these stations.
“EMR, Northern and Transpennine Express are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.”
LNER has more updates here.