Major UK airport station forced to close and evacuate passengers after train catches on fire
GATWICK Airport’s station has been forced to close due to an “emergency situation,” it has warned.
The London airport’s train station has been forced to close due to a fire alarm activation.
Passengers have been evacuated with no trains able to currently stop at the station.
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson told Sun Travel: “Due to a fire alarm activation at the train station, passengers have been evacuated into the South Terminal.
“The station is closed while emergency services respond to the incident.
“Teams are responding to the situation and passengers are advised to check before travelling. We will update further when we can.”
Thameslink also said on social media: “All routes running through Gatwick will not call at Gatwick Airport Station until further notice – the station is closed.”
National Rail has warned that disruption is expected to last until at least 3pm although this may be extended.
While passengers are being warned to allow an extra “20 minutes for their journey,” it puts hundreds at risk of missing their flights.
Anyone trying to get to the airport by train will currently be unable to use the Gatwick Express, along with Thameslink and Southern.
Passengers are advised to use their tickets via bus instead.
This means using the Metrobus 3, 4, 5 or 100 if coming from Three Bridges, or Metrobus 20, 100, 422 or 424 if coming from Horley.
Additional rail replacements buses are also in the process or being organized.
One woman caught up in the chaos wrote on social media: “Heads up if you are heading to #gatwickairport the train I was on from Brighton to #londonvictoria just caught fire as it pulled in.
“So the station is currently closed. So far it seems everyone is fine and staff acted quickly to get everyone out.”