Southern train runs into tree causing chaos on railways
A Southern service train has run into a large tree, causing major disruption on services running between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, the Gatwick Express account has announced that all lines have now reopened through Balham but recommends that passengers allow extra time to complete journeys and check before they travel.
The train struck a large tree as it approached Wandsworth Common at around 12.30pm. Both “fast lanes” were blocked while teams responded to move the tree.
⚠️ A train has struck a tree in the Balham area.
⛔️ All lines are blocked through this area whilst we investigate the damage.
ℹ️ More to follow.
— Gatwick Express (@GatwickExpress) September 20, 2023
The crash caused major disruption and delays in the area but all lines have now reopened through Balham, the Gatwick Express X account has posted.
A spokesman from Southern Railway network said: “Passengers were regrettably delayed today after one of our Southern services bound for Victoria hit a fallen tree across the tracks on the approach to Wandsworth Common today.
“Lines were blocked while engineers from Network Rail removed the tree and confirmed there was no damage to the track.
“Normal service resumed at 2.15pm. Many trains were diverted into London Bridge and others had to stop short or be cancelled.
“We’re sorry for the disruption. Anyone whose journey was delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim Delay Repay compensation at www.southernrailway.com.”
(Picture: Gatwick Express)
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