Sidcup: Lee derailment causing delays for second day

The problems mean there are no services on the Sidcup to Hither Green train line for the second morning running, and train services across south east London will be disrupted due to staff and train shortages and displacements.

The freight train derailed at low speed at Lee early on Monday, September 13, and caused travel chaos in a "grim" start to the week.

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.

Network Rail Kent and Sussex @NetworkRailSE

The Sidcup line was closed for the entire day, but engineers were hopeful the problem would be sorted by nightfall last night.

Network Rail said in a statement they were sorry to say that the derailed locomotive remains stuck on the track in Lee this morning.

The rescue team reportedly encountered "serious problems" last night due to the ground being too soft to provide a solid base for a jack to lift the train back onto the right part of the track.

Southeastern Railway are warning people to check before they travel

The team have still managed to get four of six wheels on the track, and a new plan will see another train being used to drag the engine back onto the rails.

Network Rail added that they were working with Southeastern Railway to mange the emergency timetable, and will open the line as soon as it's safe to do so.

"But until then, please accept our apologies for letting you down this week."

Train tickets are valid on London buses between Dartford and London Bridge, London Underground an Thameslink, and a limited shuttle train service is in place between Sidcup and Dartford until 1:30pm.