Major disruption hit trains from London Euston on Saturday morning, with football fans among those caught up in the chaos. Damage to the overhead wires between Stafford and Birmingham New Street blocked lines from the major London terminus, causing cancellations and delays of up to an hour.
Lines reopen but delays persist
The lines have since reopened, but National Rail is warning of major disruption until at least 4pm. Trains are facing cancellations and delays of up to an hour, affecting several operators and routes.
Avanti West Coast services between Glasgow Central and Birmingham New Street and London Euston, and also between Edinburgh and London Euston, are among those affected. CrossCountry trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Southampton Central, Bournemouth and Paignton are also affected. London Northwestern Railway between Liverpool Lime Street and Birmingham New Street is also caught up in the disruption.
Football fans fear missing match
Millwall football fans travelling to their team’s game against Preston are among those caught up in the delays, with many fearing they would miss the game as a result. One fan wrote: “Now the 10:14 train has been delayed, loads of #Millwall left stranded at Euston with no idea if we’re getting up to Preston… ”
He added: “None of the Avanti staff at Euston have a clue either, on a wing of a prayer to make it up there now. No #Millwall for three weeks and the first week back we’ve been robbed off it. Shame.”
Network Rail statement
Network Rail wrote on its website: “Lines have reopened following damage to the overhead wires between Stafford and Birmingham New Street. Trains running between these stations may be still be cancelled, majorly delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until 16:00.”
