Fire on train travelling to Chesterfield causes massive delays

More than 170 passengers had to be evacuated between Derby and Chesterfield after a fire broke out under one of the carriages

A train has been evacuated after a fire broke out while travelling to Chesterfield and this has caused knock-on disruption to services travelling to London, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and Matlock.

Shortly after 1pm today, officers from British Transport Police were called to the line close to Alfreton Road in Derby after reports of a fire on board a train, under the railway bridge in Alfreton.

A BTP spokesman said: “Approximately 175 passengers have been safely evacuated from a train in #Derby after a fire under a train carriage. The fire happened under the main carriage on a Cross Country Trains service.

“Police and the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and all the passengers were safely removed from the train. At this time, we do not believe there to be any reported injuries.

“Enquiries are being made to establish the cause of the fire, but at this time we do not believe this to be suspicious.

“We’d like to thanks the passengers and rail staff for their help during this incident. Road closures around Alfreton Road are in place whilst crews respond, likewise we expect there to be disruption to some rail services. Please check with National Rail Enquiries before travelling.”

East Midlands trains gave an updated statement at 1.40pm which stated: “All our trains on these routes cannot run in both directions between Derby - Chesterfield/Matlock.

“Our trains to/from London St Pancras will be diverting where possible and will add up to 30 minutes to your journey.

“We have no estimate for normal working, disruption is expected to last for the remainder of the day.”

Customers travelling between Derby and Matlock are advised to use the rail replacement buses which are now running in both directions.

Passengers travelling to and from Sheffield may use alternative trains to/from London St Pancras via Doncaster. Also customers may also use their tickets on Cross Country services between Derby and Sheffield once the service resumes.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters from Kingsway, Duffield, Ascot Drive, and Staveley along with a crew from Castle Donnington attended the fire and worked with partners from police, ambulance, Hazardous Area Response Team and Network Rail to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion.

“175 passengers were safely evacuated from the train and have been transported back to Derby Railway Station via other transport.

“A fire investigation will be undertaken in conjunction with Network Rail’s accident investigation team.”

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police added: “We are closing Alfreton Road, Derby, near Pektron island due to an ongoing incident. We were called to help our colleagues at the British Transport Police after a train travelling on tracks near Alfreton Road caught fire.

“Firefighters are dealing with the incident but smoke is currently causing visibility issues, so as a safety precaution we are closing the road. There are likely to be delays so please avoid the area.”

Anyone who has suffered delays because of the fire can claim compensation click here for more information and those looking to travel get the latest updates about services here.