CHAOS surrounded commuters’ journeys yesterday as passengers jumped off a halted train to escape the searing heat.

Severe delays were caused on several Southeastern routes yesterday afternoon after a train broke down outside Dartford station.

While repairs were being carried out, passengers held up on a separate service near Bexleyheath forced open the carriage doors.

Southeastern said Network Rail had to turn off the electricity in the rails as a couple of passengers were walking on the tracks.

The driver of the train then carried out a controlled evacuation of the remaining passengers, helping them down via his cab onto the line.

People were asked to make their way along the tracks to Bexleyheath station, where they were met by Network Rail officers.

A spokesman for Southeastern said: “It’s very dangerous to leave the train without supervision because of the electricity in the tracks and other obstacles and stones- people can break their legs.

“This is why National Rail had to turn off the electricity, to ensure a safe passage for people.

“The train driver then quite rightly took control of the situation and did a controlled evacuation by himself.

“It must have taken a long time- this is why there were subsequent delays as Network Rail could not recharge the electricity in the rails until the passengers were safely out of the area.”

A spokeswoman for Network Rail says the incident was responsible for causing further delays on the line.

She said: “People were trespassing on the track.

“We were alerted and had to turn off the electricity so people were not in danger.

“But it only exacerbated the situation more and caused delays.”

Were you on the train or affected by the delays? Call the newsroom on 01689 88 5702.