“Gatwick Express services remain suspended this morning, please use alternative routes.”

Then in an update at 8am, Southern trains confirmed all three fires had been put out and the services would soon be resuming.

But Gatwick Express warned that services at Victoria will be disrupted until 2.30pm, meaning further chaos for holidaymakers and commuters.

Southern tweeted at 8am: “#SNUpdates – The fire has now been put out and lines are expected to be reopened shortly.

“Heavy residual delays are expected, with passengers still advised to avoid travel to Victoria this morning where possible.”

The incident comes as passengers at Gatwick airport report flight delays and long queues due to a “major computer failure”.

Similar problems have been reported at Heathrow Airport.

Gatwick Express said in a statement earlier: “A fire next to the track between London Victoria and Clapham Junction means all lines are blocked between these stations. As a result of this, trains may be cancelled or delayed.

“This is expected to continue until 14:30.

“You should avoid travelling to and from London Victoria & Clapham Junction this morning until further notice, and travel to or from London Bridge instead using Thameslink or alternative Southern services. Your overall journey time will be extended by up to 60 minutes.”

National Rail said services were diverting to London Bridge where possible with travellers advised to Thameslink or other Southern services where available.

Tickets can be used for alternative transport on London buses, some Thameslink services, and the London Underground.

• Gatwick

Source: Read Full Article