Watch firefighters tackle trackside fire that leaves commuters facing disruption to rail services

Rail passengers are being warned of major delays on the East Coast Main Line after a fire involving signalling cabling near Stevenage.

A train driver alerted Network Rail’s control centre about flames beside the railway at 12.30pm this lunchtime (Wednesday, 9 October), and the emergency services were immediately called.

Video has been released showing the fire being put out by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service shortly before 2pm, which allowed for railway engineers to assess the damage and start making urgent repairs.

No trains were able to run between Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City for several hours this afternoon, but limited services are now running through the area.

However, passengers are being advised that any trains which are running will be extremely busy.

While repairs are ongoing people should regularly check National Rail Enquiries or with their individual train operator for the latest travel information.

Paul Rutter, Network Rail East Coast route director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the lineside fire at Stevenage today and the ongoing disruption this is causing while our engineers work to repair the damage.

“I’d like to thank firefighters at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service for their swift action to put out the fire and limit any further damage to the railway.

“Although we have been able to reopen the East Coast Main Line for a limited number of trains to run, we’re advising people to check before they travel as services will face major disruption for the rest of the day.”

For the latest travel information, visit nationalrail.co.uk.