Hundreds of passengers were stranded for almost three hours after their train hit a landside this morning.

About 220 passengers were on board the Gatwick Express heading to Gatwick Airport when the train hit a mud slide just after 4am this morning between Coulsdon South station and Merstham.

A relief train was called and by 7.15 all the passengers were transferred to the train and were at Gatwick by 8.15.

British Transport Police and London Fire Brigade both attended the scene.

London Ambulance Service was also called as a patient collapsed but they were moved to the relief train.

They also treated a man who was drunk and had passed out.

A Network Rail spokesman said the train was not derailed but the conduct rail which delivers power to the train was badly damaged. This meant the train had to run on battery power.

The spokesman said: “It was very concerning for those onboard but we are pleased to say that everybody got off the train alright.”

The train line going towards London has been re-opened but the south line is still closed.

Were you on the Gatwick Express train? Tell us what happened. Phone newsdesk on 02087226352 or email abloss@london.newsquest .co.uk

 

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