Furious passengers ‘stranded overnight’ at major station as trains cancelled

FURIOUS commuters fear they may be spending the night at Waterloo station after a “trespassing” incident delayed and cancelled scores of trains.

The massive London station was hit with chaos today, seeing thousands of passengers stuck with nowhere to go.

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Shocking footage showed the masses waiting patiently inside the station at rush hour, with some still stuck there after 9pm.

After 9pm, passengers were warned they may have to stay “with family” as it was unlikely everyone would get home on the remaining services.

Commuters were seen battling their way through crowds around 5pm as they struggled to get updates on their journeys out of the capital.

South Western Railway (SWR) had warned a number of their trains had been revised, delayed and canned.

National Rail said a “trespass incident” at Raynes Park around 3.30pm had caused the disruption.

Furious commuters slammed services online, asking how an incident could cause such prolonged havoc on the network.

Angie Pitt, who is based in Leatherhead, Surrey, said she has been at Waterloo since 3.45pm and was on a train for an hour before it was cancelled.

The 50-year-old said: “It’s a bit fraught on the concourse, a recent announcement told us, ‘we simply do not have enough space to get you all home’.

“I was on the 15.54 to Leatherhead, I was hoping to be home by 4.45. Feeling frustrated and hot.

“I’ve got a seat and some snacks, trains are starting to leave now so I’ll sit it out. I’m optimistic.”

Another person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Waterloo station is closed. Planning to reopen tonight?

“Will you compensate for Uber to Surbiton?”

One other commuter wrote: “So what am I supposed to do? Sleep in Waterloo Station concourse?”

A worried parent also took to X, asking: “Do you know if there will be any trains running from Waterloo to Whitchurch tonight?

“I’ve got a group of teenage girls who will shortly trying to get back from a concert at the 02 & we don’t want them to be stranded in London.”

National Rail said around 5pm: “Following the police dealing with a trespass incident in the Wimbledon area all lines have now reopened.

“While service recovers, trains running through the Wimbledon area may still be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.

“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”

A reporter on the ground said an announcement was broadcast at the station around 5.40pm saying 75 trains had been canned.

The station was completely packed with commuters staring at the boards, patiently waiting to see how they could get home.

SWR said at around 5.15pm: “Due to large-scale disruption across the South Western Railway network customers are authorised to source their own taxi and claim them back through the customer services team between London Waterloo and Basingstoke.”

At 3.30pm the firm said a “police incident” at Raynes Park could cause issues.

So what am I supposed to do? Sleep in Waterloo Station concourse?

Commuter

SWR said: “All lines are blocked and your journey is likely to take longer.”

It then said at 5.30pm that customers could source their own taxis and claim back the costs for certain trips, adding: “Train services are now able to run however, please be aware that due to crew and train displacement following the line closure, whilst we return the service to normal, train services may still be cancelled, delayed or revised.

“You are advised to check your journey before you travel.”

Network Rail Wessex added: “We are pleased to say all lines have reopened at Raynes Park but disruption will continue for the rest of the day.

“For the safety of our passengers, there are crowd control measures at Waterloo. Thank you for your continued patience. Please check with SWR before you travel.”

Commuters have been fuming online.

One wrote: “Stuck on the branch line on the 16.30 from Waterloo to Portsmouth. No Aircon.

“Trains on the main track passing us. Can someone give us an update what’s happening?”

Another said: “Avoid Waterloo if you can. No trains for a couple of hours and now major crowds and delays due to trespassing on the line.

“Announcement is asking people to seek alternative routes or return in a couple of hours.”

The Sun has approached British Transport Police for comment.

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