Trains Cancelled in Essex After Fires Beside the Mainline
Rail commuters in Essex faced significant disruptions this morning due to multiple fires alongside the railway line between Chelmsford and Ingatestone. The fires blocked a northbound section of the London to Norwich mainline, leading to delays and cancellations.
By 07:30 BST, emergency services confirmed that the fires had been extinguished and the track had reopened. However, disruptions were expected to continue until 10:45 BST.
Services affected included trains from Liverpool Street to Braintree, Colchester, Clacton, Ipswich, and Norwich. A spokesperson for Greater Anglia stated that trains at these stations could be cancelled, delayed, or revised.
“Following multiple fires next to the railway line between Ingatestone and Chelmsford earlier today, all lines have reopened,” the spokesperson added.
The fires caused significant delays for commuters, with some passengers reporting extended wait times and crowded trains. Network Rail and emergency services worked swiftly to extinguish the fires and reopen the tracks.
Passengers are advised to check live updates before setting out, which can be done directly on Greater Anglia’s website, as further disruptions may occur.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of key transport routes to unforeseen events. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fires. Residents in nearby areas had previously faced evacuations during a separate blaze, as seen in the Clacton overnight fire.
