Signal cable fire closes East Coast Main Line

There were major delays on the East Coast Main Line after a fire in signalling cabling near Stevenage on October 9.

A train driver alerted Network Rail’s control centre about flames beside the railway at 12.30pm and the emergency services were called.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service managed to put the fire out shortly before 2pm, which allowed Network Rail engineers to assess the damage and start making urgent repairs.

No trains were able to run between Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City for several hours with operators LNER and Hull Trains among those issuing warnings not to travel.

Paul Rutter, Network Rail East Coast route director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the lineside fire at Stevenage…and the ongoing disruption this is causing while our engineers work to repair the damage.

“I’d like to thank firefighters at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service for their swift action to put out the fire and limit any further damage to the railway."