Gatwick Airport railway station reopens after fire under train

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Gatwick Airport railway station closed and rail passengers were evacuated following a fire under a train.

Handout video grab image courtesy of BBC 5 Live presenter Clare McDonnell of flames under a train at Gatwick Airport railway station. The BBC5 Live presenter reported seeing white flashes on the outside of the carriage next to hers as the train pulled in at Gatwick Airport station. Clare McDonnell/PA Wire

Firefighters were called to the “small fire”, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, at 12.34pm on Monday, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said.

The National Rail website said Gatwick Express services are suspended and there is a reduced service between Bedford and Three Bridges, with disruption expected to continue until 3pm.

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A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “At 12.34pm we were alerted to a small fire involving a passenger train at Gatwick Railway Station, South Terminal.

“Crews from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Gatwick Fire & Rescue Service were sent to the scene.

“Upon arrival crews found that the undercarriage of the train had caught fire. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished before spreading any further.

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“The fire is believed to be of accidental ignition, caused by an electrical fault.

“All passengers were quickly escorted off the train and the railway station was evacuated at the time of the fire.

“There are no reports of any injuries.”

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A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway said: “Today, at around 12.30, we quickly and safely evacuated one of our Southern services at Gatwick Airport station after smoke was seen coming from underneath the train.

“The fire brigade is on the scene.

“We’re sorry to passengers delayed as a result. For full travel advice, visit one of our websites where you will also be able to claim compensation if your journey has been delayed by 15 minutes or more.”

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A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “Due to a fire alarm activation at the train station, passengers have been evacuated into the South Terminal.

“The station is closed while emergency services respond to the incident.

“Teams are responding to the situation and passengers are advised to check before travelling.”


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