Commuters at London Waterloo were left stranded this morning after a burst pipe caused significant flooding in the station, leading to widespread disruption for South Western Railway (SWR) services.
The incident, which occurred during peak travel hours, forced the closure of several platforms, resulting in severe delays and cancellations. Emergency services were quickly on the scene to assess the damage and begin cleanup operations.
Travel Chaos for Thousands
Passengers were advised to avoid the station if possible, with SWR urging travellers to check for updates before setting off. Alternative routes were suggested, but many faced extended journey times due to the knock-on effects of the disruption.
A spokesperson for SWR apologised for the inconvenience, stating: "We are working closely with Network Rail to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Safety remains our top priority."
Long-Term Impact Uncertain
While the immediate flooding has been contained, engineers are still assessing whether there will be any long-term damage to infrastructure. Further updates are expected later today as repairs continue.
This incident adds to a growing list of challenges faced by SWR, which has recently struggled with staffing shortages and industrial action.
