Train services across the south of England and London have been disrupted after bedbugs were reportedly found in Southeastern train carriages and drivers' cabs. One driver refused to operate a train without a full hazmat suit, and when none was available, two services were cancelled, according to The Telegraph.
Driver refuses to board; services cancelled
The driver's refusal led to the cancellation of two services on Tuesday, September 29. Another train, nicknamed the 'bedbug express' by staff, ran with two carriages locked to prevent the spread of the insects. It completed several journeys between London and Kent on the same day.
Southeastern responds to infestation reports
Southeastern has rejected suggestions that the problem has spread to passenger carriages. Oly Turner, the train company's head of drivers, said: "We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents."
Turner added: "When we receive reports such as these, we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear. Cases have been contained to the drivers cabs in only two of our trains and no bed bugs have been identified in areas for passengers."
He also stated: "We continually carry out robust cleaning across our trains and stations, ensuring our customers and employees can travel safely and with confidence."
Outbreak traced to depot; cleaning and treatment under way
The company said it had not found any bedbugs on its high-speed trains running from London St Pancras into Kent. The outbreak has been traced to the West Marina depot, where pest control was recently pictured. The train that remained in service did so to return it to a suitable location for inspection and, if necessary, treatment.
Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. According to NHS advice, they can bite humans, but other than causing an itch, their bites do not usually cause health problems. If bedbugs are found in bedding, it must be washed on a high heat of at least 60C and dried on a high heat for an extended period to kill the bugs and their eggs. They can also live in carpet and skirting boards, which require pest control treatment.
