Commuter chaos: Waterloo station line side fire expected to cause disruption on Thursday morning
![](https://www.cityam.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GettyImages-466909887.jpg?w=742)
Commuters have been told to take alternative routes to work tomorrow after a line side fire at Waterloo station has closed nine platforms.
The blaze damaged cables outside Britain’s largest and busiest station earlier today, meaning trains cannot run to platforms 16-24.
Network Rail said equipment had sustained “significant damage”, and that many trains were delayed or cancelled.
Disruption is expected for the rest of Wednesday and into Thursday morning rush hour.
A spokesman for Network Rail and South Western Railway said: “We are very sorry for the disruption South Western Railway passengers are experiencing.
“A lineside fire this morning caused significant damage to some of the rail infrastructure in the Waterloo area, fully closing platforms 16-24.
“Trains will be delayed or cancelled until the end of service today and disruption is likely to impact services tomorrow morning.
“Passengers are strongly advised to check their journeys before travelling at www.southwesternrailway.com for ticket acceptance and service details.”
Read more: Tube, train or bus? What your daily commute says about how you spend your time travelling
Services from other platforms will also be affected because of diversions. Services via Hounslow, Richmond, Strawberry Hill and Kingston have been cancelled, while Windsor and Eton Riverside have been diverted via Kingston.
Trains to and from Exeter and Salisbury have been terminated, and will restart from Basingstoke.
Main image: Getty