Network Rail: Sidcup train line blocked till nightfall

The freight train derailment has caused travel chaos this morning in south east London, and that disruption is set to continue until the end of the day in a "grim" start to the week.

No one was hurt during the derailment, which happened at very low speed, but all services operating via Sidcup are being cancelled or diverted, Southeastern said.

The Bexleyheath line is expected to be very busy, and the routes into London from Orpington and Dartford are likely to be disrupted due to crew and stock displacement.

Network Rail said on social media they were "sorry to say" that Southeastern's Sidcup line "is likely to be blocked for most of the day while we work to re-rail a locomotive that came off the tracks at Lee yesterday."

The derailed train in Lee. Network Rail Kent and Sussex @NetworkRailSE

The plan is to jack up the train and move it back onto the rails from its current position sitting inside the tracks derailed.

Unfortunately, the location the train is blocking leaves nowhere for other units to switch tracks, meaning it is impossible to run trains along the entire line.

The location of the stuck train blocking the Sidcup train line. Network Rail Kent and Sussex @NetworkRailSE

Network Rail said that all being well they should have the railway line back up for tomorrow.

"Current estimations are that it will be at least nightfall before the engine has been moved and we will make sure everything is working properly before running passenger trains again.

"Many thanks for your patience and please accept our apologies for this grim start to your week."

Buses are accepting Southeastern passenger between Dartford and London and Underground are accepting passengers on reasonable routes.

Ticket acceptance is also in place on the services between Dartford and Blackfriars, and Sidcup to Dartford shuttle service is running intermittently.