Southeastern delays: Landslide causes chaos for rail commuters

A landslide has blocked the main rail commuter route between Hastings and London, causing major disruption for thousands who use Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street stations.

Passengers were “strongly advised” to find other routes into London or to try to “postpone” their journeys if possible. The disruption could add hours to some homeward journeys tonight, while other lines in Kent have experienced overcrowding.

Gale force winds and torrential rain caused the embankments at Wadhurst, south of Tunbridge Wells, to collapse yesterday afternoon, submerging the tracks in mud and uprooted trees.

The first Network Rail engineers on the scene reported the earth was still moving, making it dangerous to begin repairs. A Network Rail spokesman said the situation is being monitored, but it will be “several days” at least, possibly not before some time next week, before the line is reopened.

Services on the remainder of the line into London also suffered delays and cancellations.

Commuter Marcel Hirshman had to travel on four trains to get from Battle to Sittingbourne this morning and faces a three-and-a-half hour journey home.

“It will be problematic for me as I need to be in London tomorrow and Monday,” he added. “Let’s hope the network rail staff clear the muck up quickly today, otherwise it shall be an interesting experience for me tomorrow trying to get to Tooting Broadway.”

The landslide had a knock-on effect for hundreds of commuters on other lines between London and Kent.

Stuart Helmer, 45, a solicitor from Sevenoaks, said his commute home was “uncomfortably crowded” last night.

“This morning there were people standing in the aisles between carriages and first class was empty,” he added. “It wasn’t as bad today as last night where people were shoving to get on trains.” Operator Southeastern said emergency buses were running between Robertsbridge and Tunbridge Wells, with a train shuttle service between Hastings and Robertsbridge.

A spokesman added: “We strongly advise passengers to find alternative routes and postpone journeys where possible.”

Passengers travelling from Hastings or St Leonards into London were advised to use Southern Railway services to Victoria — a longer journey but quicker than replacement buses.