Dozens of passengers were forced to evacuate a train near London after a dramatic fire broke out, sparking a major emergency response.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as smoke billowed from the carriage, with emergency services rushing to the scene. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze while railway staff assisted passengers to safety.
Chaos and Confusion
Passengers reported hearing loud alarms before being instructed to leave the train immediately. Many described a tense atmosphere as people hurried to disembark onto the tracks.
"It was terrifying," one shaken passenger told reporters. "We could see smoke filling the carriage, and everyone was trying to stay calm but it was chaotic."
Emergency Response
Fire crews arrived within minutes, with multiple engines deployed to tackle the flames. Paramedics also attended as a precaution, though initial reports suggest there were no serious injuries.
Railway officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which disrupted services for several hours. Network Rail issued an apology to affected passengers, acknowledging the distress caused.
Travel Disruption
The incident caused significant delays on the line, with replacement bus services arranged for stranded commuters. Passengers are advised to check for updates before travelling.
Authorities have praised the swift actions of both rail staff and emergency services in preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.
