Gatwick rail resumes after train hit obstruction

Rail services through Gatwick Airport have resumed after an earlier problem caused by a train hitting an obstruction on the tracks.

Rail operators Thameslink and Southern first reported the issue at about 06:00 GMT on Tuesday, stating that the incident had occurred near Salfords station in Surrey.

The train companies had said that services to, from or through the airport may be cancelled, delayed or revised, while other services might use alternative platforms at some stations.

At about 16:00 GMT, Thameslink said: "Disruption caused by this incident has now ended. No further trains will be affected."

A spokesperson previously explained that a train had correctly gone through a signal and hit the object, knocking off the train's shoe gears - which help the train get power from the electric third rail.

They added that another train would have was to pull it away from the affected area.

Services between Three Bridges and Bedford were suspended, along with northbound trains to Salfords or Earlswood stations.

Trains due to call at those stations in a southbound direction were subject to an amended timetable to allow passengers to change at Redhill.

Ticket acceptance had been put in place on alternative routes between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, and on local buses.

The operators added that some services had become stranded between stations, with passengers asked to remain on board and listen for announcements.

A Thameslink spokesperson had advised people not to self-evacuate "under any circumstances, unless asked to do so".

"Other trains may still be moving in the area, and the track is also a very hazardous environment," they added.

Elsewhere, Southern services between Eastbourne and Lewes were delayed by up to 10 minutes due a signalling problem at Polegate station.

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