19 hours ago
Rush hour commuters face massive disruption at one of Britain's busiest railway stations as blaze breaks out beside track
Rush hour commuters at one of Britain's busiest railway stations face lengthy delays after a fire broke out next to the track.
National Rail is warning of cancellations and delays for passengers travelling between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport following the blaze.
It has since been confirmed that the fire near the track at Acton Main Line has been extinguished, allowing trains to run through the station again.
Passengers are being told there will be a 'major disruption' until 10pm with delays up to 35 minutes.
In an update, National Rail confirmed the fire has been extinguished and that 'journeys running through this station to begin to run as normal again.'
It said: 'Until service recovers, trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport / Reading may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 35 minutes or revised.
'Major disruption is expected to continue to impact services until 22:00.'
A notice at the station reads: 'Due to a fire next to the track between London Paddington and Reading some lines are blocked.
In an update, National Rail confirmed the fire has been extinguished and that 'journeys running through this station to begin to run as normal again'. Pictured: A Great Western Railway train stopped at London Paddington
'Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.
'Disruption is expected until 8pm.'
A Great Western Railway spokesperson said: 'Due to a fire next to the track between London Paddington and Reading some lines are blocked.
'Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed.'
Passengers have taken to social media to vent their frustrations of the rush hour delays.
One user wrote: 'Huge delays at Paddington outward bound to all destinations. As usual with, there is no info, just surley unhelpful staff who don't give a damn. More examples of UK's worst run railway.'
Another added: 'Acton main line area set on fire now I'm stuck at Paddington sweating my balls off.'
While a third said: 'Paddington is at a standstill.'
