Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line severely disrupted as train derailment sparks rush hour chaos

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Train providers between Reading and London Paddington have been severely disrupted after a frieght train derailed on the road, resulting in chaos for commuters at rush hour and inflicting a significant impression on Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express providers.

The stricken freight train was derailed round West Ealing, west London, on the road working westward to Reading, earlier than 6.30am, resulting in a string of delays and cancellations.

A press release from Great Western Railway (GWR) learn: “Due to a derailed train between Reading and London Paddington some lines are blocked.

“Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 12:00 05/04.”

They mentioned stopping providers between Didcot Parkway and London Paddington will solely function between Didcot and Reading and providers between Bedwyn/Newbury, and London Paddington will solely function between Bedwyn/Newbury and Reading.

“Customers should utilise GWR high speed services between Reading and London Paddington to complete their journeys,” the assertion learn.

Passengers affected by the derailment can use their Great Western Railway rail tickets to journey on the London Underground between Paddington and Waterloo till additional discover.

The Heathrow Express, which connects the capital to the UK’s largest and busiest airport, is working no less than one much less service per hour, with a decreased timetable at the moment in place till the tip of the day.

The disruption has additionally affected the Elizabeth Line.

A press release from TfL learn: “Severe delays between Paddington and Reading / Heathrow Airport while we fix a faulty freight train in the West Ealing area. Good service on the rest of the line. London Underground accepting tickets.”

Some passengers as we speak are trying to make journeys that shall be inconceivable tomorrow due to a strike by train drivers belonging to the Aslef union.

They are strolling out at GWR on Saturday, halting all intercity trains. Strikes elsewhere are already beneath manner, with no trains on Friday on Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway or West Midlands Railway.

An time beyond regulation ban can also be inflicting cancellations throughout Britain.

Passengers on the Great Western line, connecting London with the West of England and South Wales, have endured months of disruption because of flooding, sign failures and factors issues. Many of those have additionally hit the Elizabeth Line and the Heathrow Express.

Elsewhere within the UK, the Met Office has warned of journey disruption and issued a yellow climate warning for rain forward of anticipated 70mph winds as Storm Kathleen approaches.