Train derails causing travel chaos on major route into London

Workers on the line between Surrey and London Waterloo this morning (Picture: UKNIP)

Passengers had to be escorted off a train today after it hit an object and derailed while travelling into London.

The front wheels are thought to have come off the track at around 5.50am this morning.

Commuters using one of London’s busiest stations have now been warned to expect rail misery all day today, with all services blocked.

South Western Railway (SWR)s said it is currently unable to run any services between Woking and London Waterloo and warned passengers: ‘Do not attempt to travel.’

The problems will also affect journeys to Haslemere and Portsmouth, which use the same line.

Other services not directly affected are also expected to be hit with delays due to passengers and trains having to find other routes.

SWR said the problems were due to an ‘operational incident’ between Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge though did not specify exactly what has caused the problem.

A sign showing a cancelled Waterloo service this morning due to damage to the rail (Picture: @hayley_rabbets)

Passengers at Waterloo train station in London (Picture: PA)

Flooded with questions from concerned travellers on X (formerly known as Twitter), an SWR operative told passengers that ticket restrictions have been lifted so they can travel on any train including on Great Western Railway.

Commuters were also told their tickets will be valid for travel tomorrow instead and were advised to speak to train guards about needing to use different stations as they would be able to ‘use their discretion’.

They added: ‘We currently have ticket acceptance in place with GWR. Please check before you travel again as this may get rescinded for a variety of different reasons.’

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National Rail Enquiries said: ‘Due to a serious issue with the track at Walton-on Thames all lines are blocked.

‘Please do not travel as there are no services currently operating.

‘Disruption is expected to last until the end of the day.’

Network Rail was approached for a comment.

The disruption comes a day after rail fares across England and Wales rose by nearly 5%.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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