Severe Rail Disruption Continues After Train Derailment And Signal Failure

Rail services on Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express remain severely disrupted following a train derailment and signalling problems in south-east London.

Passengers are being warned to expect cancellations, delays of up to an hour and revised services across the networks, which are all operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

The disruption follows a derailment at Selhurst depot, alongside a signal failure affecting London Blackfriars and Norwood Junction.

As a result, Thameslink services between Brighton and Cambridge remain suspended, and some trains are not stopping at London Bridge.

GTR issued a “do not travel” alert yesterday, urging passengers to avoid the network where possible.

Although the derailed train has now been re-railed, it blocked access to the depot, leaving more than 130 trains out of position and impacting services throughout Wednesday — with knock-on disruption expected into Thursday morning.

A GTR spokesperson said:

“We’re very sorry for the disruption customers have experienced.

"A signalling fault between Norwood Junction and London Bridge, along with a derailment at Selhurst depot, are causing significant issues.

"We’re working closely with Network Rail to resolve this as quickly as possible.”

Trains between London Victoria and West Croydon are suspended until further notice, and anyone travelling to Gatwick Airport or Luton Airport Parkway by rail is being advised to allow at least an extra hour.

National Rail says fewer lines are currently available, meaning trains are running at reduced speeds.

Platforms at major stations including East Croydon have also become overcrowded.

Engineering director Steve Lammin confirmed a full investigation is under way into the derailment and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Passengers are urged to check before travelling and to follow updates from their train operator for the latest information.