London Midland train evacuated as smoke billows from carriage, Birmingham services blocked
Commuters using a London Midland train were evacuated at the peak of rush hour this morning, after a carriage caught on fire.
Smoke was seen rising from a train at Warwick Parkway station shortly after 8am this morning. Services between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford are currently suspended, with some trains being terminated at other stations.
Passengers posted images of the incident online.
https://twitter.com/JonathanJardine/status/641143649858920448
https://twitter.com/JonathanJardine/status/641147987801047041
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London Midland said: "Due to a fire on a train between Leamington Spa and Birmingham Snow Hill some lines are blocked.
"Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. All stations between Leamington Spa and Dorridge will not be served. Disruption is expected until 11am."
https://twitter.com/LondonMidland/status/641160868709928961
The operator told passengers to use alternative routes run by other providers including Chiltern Railways.
"Arrangements have been made for London Midland rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
"Rail replacement coaches are conveying passengers from Hatton via Lapworth and Dorridge in that direction only until further notice. Arrangements have been made for London Midland rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys," it said.
However the impact is already being felt on other lines and services run by other train operators – including Chiltern.
https://twitter.com/gilesp/status/641151342808072192
More to follow…