London's Euston station was thrown into chaos on Wednesday evening as a major security alert prompted the complete evacuation of one of the capital's busiest transport hubs. The incident brought rail services to an abrupt halt during the crucial evening rush hour, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and confused.
British Transport Police confirmed they were responding to a security concern at the central London station shortly after 6 PM. Witnesses reported seeing a significant police presence and hearing urgent evacuation announcements as staff directed passengers away from the building.
Commuters Describe Chaotic Scenes
"It was complete chaos," said one commuter who asked not to be named. "One minute we were waiting for our train, the next there were police everywhere telling everyone to leave immediately. People were confused and anxious, not knowing what was happening."
Social media quickly filled with images and videos showing large crowds gathered outside the station entrance, while incoming trains were either held at previous stations or redirected to alternative London terminals.
Widespread Travel Disruption
The evacuation caused significant knock-on effects across London's rail network, with services operated by Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, and other operators all affected. Passengers were advised to check with their train operators for the latest information and to expect substantial delays throughout the evening.
Transport for London also reported disruptions to connecting Underground services as the security operation continued. Buses in the Euston Road area experienced delays due to increased pedestrian traffic and road closures around the station.
Police Investigation Underway
While specific details about the nature of the security incident remain undisclosed, authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. A spokesperson for British Transport Police stated: "We were called to Euston station following a report of a security concern. The station has been evacuated as a precaution while we investigate."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing major transport hubs in the capital, with Euston being one of London's key gateway stations serving destinations across the Midlands, Northwest England, and Scotland.
