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Southeastern services between Rainham and Sittingbourne disrupted after train hits fallen tree

07:39, 23 August 2024

updated: 12:25, 23 August 2024

Services have resumed after a train hit a tree which has fallen onto a railway line.

The Southeastern train suffered “significant damage” after it crashed into the tree, which had fallen onto the line, between Rainham and Newington at around 6.30am.

The damaged southeastern train after it hit a tree on the line. Picture: southeastern
The damaged southeastern train after it hit a tree on the line. Picture: southeastern

The incident happened amid warnings from the Met Office predicting heavy rain and strong winds this morning.

Services were brought to a standstill with all lines blocked between Rainham and Sittingbourne, but the line has now been cleared.

A spokesperson for Southeastern said: "Earlier this morning one of our trains was damaged after it struck a fallen tree between Sittingbourne and Newington.

"Engineers worked with onboard staff to re-open the line and services are running again.

A train arrived to pull the damaged vehicle back to the depot
A train arrived to pull the damaged vehicle back to the depot

"We are sorry for the disruption caused by this incident. Anyone delayed by more than 15 minutes can claim Delay Repay compensation on our website."

Last night a flood warning was issued by the Environment Agency (EA) across a stretch of the county’s coastline about the risks of flooding caused by high tides.

Areas along the north Kent coast from Kemsley, near Sittingbourne, to Seasalter near Whitstable were expected to be affected.

Areas on Sheppey including Sheerness, Minster, Queenborough and Leysdown, were also deemed to be at risk, according to weather forecasters.

Train services in Faversham are delayed after reports a person is trespassing on the tracks
Train services in Faversham are delayed after reports a person is trespassing on the tracks
A flood alert is in place for the north Kent coast. Picture: Alan Hendry
A flood alert is in place for the north Kent coast. Picture: Alan Hendry

Storm Lilian’ has been ripping through the north of the country since yesterday.

It is expected to clear in the south northeastwards with "blustery showers and sunny spells to follow". Rain is expected again in the south in the early hours of tomorrow.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “Storm Lilian will bring some potentially damaging gusts during Friday morning, with gusts widely in the 50-60mph range, with the possibility of some gusts in excess of 75mph in a few places.

“Lilian will move into the North Sea on Friday morning, with reducing winds and scattered showers following for most, though further rain is likely in southern England by the end of the day.”

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