An independent investigation has been launched into the infamous stranded Lewisham train that left passengers abandoning the carriages to walk along electrified tracks.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) announced yesterday (March 13) it has decided to launch a full investigation into the incident on March 2.

Passengers were trapped for up to five hours, with passengers describing the “absolute torture” inside the urine-smelling carriages with broken toilets and no power.

READ MORE: 'It was downright torture' - One passenger's account of what happened on the infamous Lewisham train stranded for 5 hours

Southeastern apologised to those left stranded, explaining that the freezing conditions meant trains struggled to draw electricity from the power lines.

MPs said they were inundated with complaints from passengers, with MPs Vicky Foxcroft and Heidi Alexander meeting with Southeastern last week to demand explanation behind what happened.

READ MORE: MPs 'inundated with complaints' about Southeastern after passengers stranded on trains during snow and ice

MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup James Brokenshire was one of the many MPs who was bombarded with complaints from constituents about Southeastern.

He said: "I welcome the news that the RAIB is to conduct a full investigation into the events surrounding the stranding of a number of Southeastern trains for several hours close to Lewisham Station.

“I had written to the RAIB calling for this to happen. This was a serious incident with passengers getting off trains to walk along the tracks and others being stuck on trains for several hours.

“I am pleased that the circumstances will be examined in detail supplementing the independently chaired review proposed by Southeastern and Network Rail.”

The full details of the RAIB’s investigation and its full scope will be published within the next fortnight.