Commuter misery struck east London on Friday afternoon after a freight train partially derailed at Barking, damaging vital rail tracks and causing travel chaos that will last into next week.
The incident happened at around 1:10 pm when a GB Railfreight cargo train from London Gateway jumped the tracks.
The derailed wagons were dragged along the line, leaving a trail of destruction that damaged overhead electric wires and track equipment. Platforms 7 and 8 at Barking station are completely blocked by the broken train.
Because this was a freight train, no passengers were on board and no injuries have been reported. However, tens of thousands of commuters faced severe delays during the Friday rush hour.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) sent a team of inspectors to gather evidence at the scene. At the same time, emergency teams from Network Rail started a complex operation to clear the tracks.
The accident has completely paralyzed local transit. The London Overground Suffragette line is suspended, and train operator c2c stopped all services between Barking and Grays. Dagenham Dock, Rainham, and Purfleet stations are completely cut off.
Rail bosses warn that severe disruption will continue until at least Monday, 26 October, while engineers fix the structural damage.