sparking

Sinkholes on bridge suspend trains to major UK airport sparking chaos for thousands as passengers stuck in queues

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Passengers stuck in queues outside an airport due to train suspension, Image 2 shows NINTCHDBPICT001088417665

SINKHOLES found under a railway bridge have caused all trains to and from Gatwick airport to be suspended leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

The holes near Purley Bridge in South London required “urgent repairs”, engineers from Network Rail have said and the line isn’t expected to open until tomorrow morning.

Sinkholes on a railway bridge have suspend all trains to Gatwick Airport Credit: X/@SouthernRailUK
Travellers lined the road outside the airport amid the chaos Credit: X

All services between Purley and East Croydon were closed while an inspection was carried out by a structural engineer.

This has put a stop to all trains heading to Gatwick Airport and Brighton from London Bridge or London Victoria and left thousands stranded.

Travellers lined the road outside the airport while others waited hours for a rail replacement bus service.

The rail disruption has forced many passengers to drive to the airport resulting in major congestion as hundreds of cars try to get to the terminals.

TRAFFIC CHAOS

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Two motorways shut after serious crashes as drivers hit with long delays

The sinkholes need ‘urgent repair’ engineers have said Credit: X/@SouthernRailUK
The railway line is set to reopen tomorrow morning Credit: X/

Many have taken to social media to express their fury and fear as tempers in the gathering crowds start to flare.

One user said: “Absolute shambles at Gatwick airport! People queuing for over 2 hours to get network replacement coach into London. Tempers flaring amongst crowds. I’m scared!!!”

Others said they were having to fork out for inflated Uber fares back to London.

They posted: “@uber why on earth do you think it’s acceptable to charge people £250 to get from Gatwick Airport to Croydon with all the trains being cancelled? Absolutely criminal!,”

Network Rail explained: “Sinkholes were spotted on the bridge, meaning that ballast, the stones that the track sits on, was falling through the gap, making the track unstable.

“We’ve since carried out a thorough inspection of the bridge and are working to safely plug the gaps so that trains can safely run again.”

Sinkholes appear when rock at the surface collapses and leaves a big hole.

They are often saucer-shaped and can form for many reasons.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “There are currently no trains running between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria or London Bridge due to blocked rail lines at Purley.

“Passengers travelling to the airport are advised to consider alternative routes and allow extra time for their journey.

“For those travelling from Gatwick Airport into London, rail replacement bus services are operating between the airport and East Croydon. 

“Due to high demand, passengers at the airport may experience longer waiting times for rail replacement services, and we appreciate your patience while alternative transport is in place.”

Network Rail later took to X to apologise for the disruption and said the lines had to be closed “for the safety of passengers”.

“Over the course of the afternoon our engineers have carried out thorough inspections on the bridge and have worked to plug the sinkholes, allowing trains to safely run again,” they said.

“Though trains are now running we do expect there to be disruption into the night so we’re urging passengers to check before travelling.

“We will be accepting today’s tickets on tomorrow’s services due to the disruption today.”

However, Southern Rail still urged passengers not to travel, saying: “You are strongly advised to delay your journey. A very limited service is now able to run, however these services are expected to be full.”

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Clive Owen laughs off behind-the-scenes ‘incident’ after sparking concern

Our Yorkshire Farm star Clive Owen opens up about a travel mishap during his Ireland trip with sons Miles and Sid in Channel 5 series Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales

Clive Owen found himself having to explain a “little incident” that happened away from the cameras, after his sons raised concerns.

The farmer, who has nine children with Amanda Owen, has been appearing in his eldest son Reuben’s Channel 5 programme, Life in the Dales.

The show follows the family, who rose to prominence on Our Yorkshire Farm, as they continue to document the ups and downs of their farming life.

A recent instalment saw Clive venture beyond the Dales on a road trip to Ireland with his sons Miles and Sid, as they took part in the All Nations Shearing Champions.

However, the journey proved far from plain sailing for Clive, as he revealed he had suffered an “incident” along the way, reports the Express.

Upon arriving at the competition in Donegal, ahead of the two-day event, Clive declared: “Well boys we’re here. The sheep pens are empty but they’ll be coming we hope.”

The narrator then observed: “With the chill of yesterday’s storm still in the air, there’s a memory the boys haven’t quite shaken.”

Sid enquired: “Are you feeling better after yesterday?”

The farmer brushed it aside, responding: “You don’t let me forget yesterday, you guys. My little incident on the ship…”

Miles chipped in: “That sea air was getting to you.”

Clive then put his sons’ minds at rest: “No I’m fine, so forget all about it.”

The narrator continued: “Unlikely, but with prize sheep, sizzling stalls of Irish grub and more vintage tractors than you can shake a spanner at, Clive’s little incident might slip off the radar.”

Miles then jokingly questioned whether his dad was “up to” judging, as he commented: “You look the part but whether you’re up to it…”

“Just remember, the judge is always right,” Clive hit back.

Ahead of heading off on their lengthy journey, marking Sid and Miles’ first time outside the country, Clive shared his concerns about leaving the farm.

He told Reuben: “I’m going to take Miles and Sid because they’ve never been on a ship and they’ve never been overseas.”

He went on to the camera: “I used to skive off school and go and watch these famous sales and watch these great men sell these wonderful sheep and dream that maybe one day it might be me.

“For me, to eventually breed a Champion myself, that’s pretty amazing, actually. We called him Glory and sold him for £28,000 which was amazing.

“Fellas that go and judge like myself, know how hard it is to breed these things. So I see it as a great responsibility and a great honour to judge.

“It’s a tough thing to do because you don’t make everybody happy when you judge sheep.”

Before setting off, Miles and Sid shared their excitement for the ferry, with the former saying: “Yeah, they reckon it will be a bit stormy.”

“Hope you don’t get sea sick,” Reuben warned, while his girlfriend reassured: “You’ll be fine!”

After asking if Sid has ever been abroad before, he replied: “No I haven’t, this will be the first time.”

Clive added, “It’s quite a journey,” before sharing his concerns for travelling through the Irish sea before hitting the sheep competition.

“Tomorrow, there’s a big storm passing through so I’m quite worried about the crossing, how rough it will be.

“Whether we’re ill or anything, I would not like that to happen but we shall see.”

Reuben replied: “Well have a good time you three,” as they set off, with Clive saying, “Have a good time you three.”

“Miss you already,” Reuben called after them.

Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales is available to watch on Channel 5.

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