A significant fire erupted in north London today. This blaze caused widespread travel disruption. It severely impacted rail services across England. The incident occurred near the railway lines in Camden. Train services to and from London Euston faced major issues. This affected travel to popular cities. Thousands of passengers experienced delays and cancellations. The event made national news headlines.
The Blaze in Camden
A fire broke out on Regent’s Park Road. It happened near the tracks serving London Euston. The location was the former Primrose Hill railway station site. The London Fire Brigade received the first call at 9:31 am. Ten fire engines rushed to the scene. Around 70 firefighters battled the flames. They used specialist equipment. A 32-meter turntable ladder provided aerial support. The fire affected a single-storey commercial building. Most of a neighbouring property also caught fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
Widespread Travel Chaos
The fire’s proximity to the railway caused immediate problems. All lines between London Euston and Watford Junction were blocked. This led to significant travel chaos. National Rail confirmed the closure. Services were suspended for many hours. Disruption continued well into the afternoon. Some services faced delays until the end of the day. This created immense difficulty for commuters. It also impacted longer journeys.
Operators and Destinations Hit
Several major train operators faced severe disruption. Avanti West Coast services were heavily affected. London Northwestern Railway also reported major issues. London Overground and some Southern services experienced problems. These operators run services on vital routes. Trains to and from London Euston were impacted. This included services heading to Manchester. Liverpool-bound trains also faced cancellations. Journeys to Glasgow were disrupted. Birmingham and Warrington services saw significant delays. Some incoming trains were held up for considerable distances. Passengers travelling north or south faced major uncertainty. Freight services using the West Coast Main Line were also affected.
Passenger Impact and Advice
Thousands of passengers found their travel plans ruined. Many faced long waits at stations. Others faced cancelled services unexpectedly. Rail companies advised passengers to check travel updates. They suggested allowing extra time for journeys. Some operators allowed ticket use on alternative routes. Avanti West Coast permitted ticket use on Saturday. Passengers were encouraged to postpone travel if possible. This news was a significant disruption for many.
Investigation Underway
Fire crews worked for hours to control the blaze. The London Fire Brigade stated the fire was brought under control after 1 pm. However, the line remained closed for safety checks. The site of the fire is now subject to an investigation. Officials are working to determine the cause. This incident highlights the risks of fires near rail infrastructure.
Return to Normalcy
By late afternoon, services began to resume. However, residual delays remained. Some disruption persisted due to earlier cancellations. The incident caused a major headache for travel. It underscored the delicate balance of railway operations. Network Rail and train operators worked to restore normal service. This news provided a stark reminder of infrastructure vulnerability.
