Brighton and Hove commuters face delays after train fire at Victoria

A train fire at London Victoria left commuters from Brighton, Hove and Portslade facing delays and disruption this morning (Thursday 17 January).

The small fire was spotted on an empty Gatwick Express train as it arrived at Victoria. The station was evacuated and the fire was put out quickly.

One passenger said that there was a strong smell of acrid smoke at the station. The smoke was being cleared some time after the fire was extinguished.

Platforms 15 to 19 have reopened although shortly after 8am platforms 12 to 14 were still not in use.

Some passengers have been diverted to other stations or have had their journey terminated at Clapham Junction and some journeys are taking longer.

The train operator Southern said: “Services to and from Victoria are subject to severe disruption, and may be delayed, diverted or cancelled at short notice.

“Passengers should expect delays of up to 50 minutes.

“SouthEastern is accepting Southern tickets between London Bridge and Charing Cross.

“South West Trains is accepting Southern tickets between Clapham Junction and Waterloo.

“First Capital Connect will accept Southern tickets between East Croydon and London Bridge.

“LOROL (London Overground Rail Operations Ltd) will accept Southern tickets and London Underground will accept Southern tickets on any reasonable route.

“Southern apologises for the disruption this will cause to services this morning.

“For train times visit the National Rail website or call National Rail Enquiries on  08457 484950.