Chaos at Clapham Junction after rail power supply problem

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/apr/30/chaos-clapham-junction-after-rail-power-supply

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Thousands of London-bound commuters have been left stranded on held-up trains for up to four hours after a power supply problem caused chaos at Clapham Junction, the UK’s busiest rail station.

British transport police (BTP) were evacuating stranded passengers stuck outside the south London station on Thursday, while water was passed to commuters still stuck in sweltering temperatures on board.

One passenger was being treated by paramedics, while the fire brigade reported they had used a short-extension ladder to help people off a stranded train.

Commuters described “nightmare” conditions at Clapham Junction as no Southern train company trains were able to get in or out of Victoria station and service was suspended on the Gatwick Express.

Passengers heading for London from southern England were forced to disembark well ahead of their destinations and seek alternative rail routes.

One commuter, Anna Roberts, who works in Victoria, south-west London, was stuck on a Brighton to London train well after 11am. “It’s been nearly four hours now. Police and paramedics boarded our train because there is no air conditioning. They said they were bringing water but not enough for everyone to have one bottle each,” she said.

“Eventually we got water in plastic containers, which we are passing around the carriage. We were told that was all that was available. With the power off, it’s like an oven in here. Police have said it’s too dangerous to walk down the track.”

Ben Goode, whose train left Brighton before 7am, was still stuck at 11.30am. He tweeted: “We may or may not be evacuated in the next hour. This is a shambles. 4.5 hours after leaving Brighton.”

BTP tweeted: “More trains being evacuated. We’re getting officers to trains still stalled where possible. Thank you for your patience.”

The problem struck in the middle of Thursday morning’s rush hour between Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Common.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “A major power supply problem between Clapham and Wandsworth Common has disrupted Southern train services into London Victoria this morning. Engineers are on site and we aim to resume services as quickly as possible.

“Tickets are valid on all other routes into London and Southern passengers are advised to avoid travelling through Clapham Junction, which is very busy. South West Trains services to and from Waterloo via Clapham Junction are unaffected.”

FiniasFinn tweeted to the Transport for London account: “Clapham Junction is worst station ever. I realise it’s chaos but no staff helping and being arrogant is not a help.”

Thomas Michael Jules wrote: “Avoid Clapham Junction today people! Mayhem!!”

Precious tweeted: “Complete chaos at Clapham Junction this morning as trains are delayed left, right and centre. What a nightmare!”

Trains being evacuated near #ClaphamJunction after electrical problems. Pic from SkyCopter: pic.twitter.com/S9ZG8c8GZG

Crews are using a short extension ladder to help passengers from the train. #ClaphamJunction Photo © @MPSLatchmere pic.twitter.com/merYBWSO0D

Still #stranded. These guys are supposed to be doing something... keep changing their minds though #ClaphamJunction pic.twitter.com/LdIusFbGxT

Tensions are rising in carriage 6 as IPhone batteries start to run low #claphamjunction #Apocalypse

I see a Labrador bounding through fields, reminding me of the freedom I have lost to #southernrail on this journey to #claphamjunction

Not moved for 2 hours now. Rumours growing that passengers in carriage 2 have started eating one another to pass the time #claphamjunction

Engineers at #claphamjunction have taken the batteries out, given them a rub and popped them back in. Still no joy. #outofideas

Right now, I'll vote for anyone who can get trains running through Clapham Junction to Victoria. #stuck

Commuters fight to get on trains after 'total meltdown' at Clapham Junction (pic @joshr) http://t.co/AVluJXHVli pic.twitter.com/0LQTS1UL4y

There had been delays involving Clapham Junction earlier in the rush hour due to a lineside fire which caused hold-ups to services on London Overground.