Update: The line reopened at 3.52pm after Southern Gas Network confirmed there was a gas leak in the nearby area but no pipes were running through the tunnel.
Southeastern has confirmed that the tunnel between Blackheath and Charlton stations has been closed following the discovery of a gas leak in the Blackheath area.
At 1:16pm today (March 31) Southeastern confirmed in a tweet that the tunnel running between the stations of Blackheath and Charlton would remain closed.
UPDATE: It has been confirmed that there is a gas leak in the #Blackheath area, which means the tunnel between Blackheath and Charlton will remain closed until the leak has been repaired.
— Southeastern (@Se_Railway) March 31, 2023
Southeastern tweeted: “UPDATE: It has been confirmed that there is a gas leak in the #Blackheath area, which means the tunnel between Blackheath and Charlton will remain closed until the leak has been repaired.”
In a previous tweet Southeastern said that the tunnel was closed for safety reasons and that trains were not able to run between Blackheath and Charlton.
Services between Charlton and Blackheath were being diverted via Greenwich due to the tunnel closure.
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Southeastern said that the tunnel will remain closed until repair works are completed.
The line was reopened at 3.52pm after checks.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Earlier today, a train driver reported the strong smell of gas in Blackheath tunnel between Blackheath and Charlton.
"The line was subsequently closed to enable engineers to safely inspect this issue during which trains running between these stations were diverted via Greenwich.
“Upon investigation, it was established that while there are no gas pipes through the tunnel, there are gas pipes present above it and Southern Gas Network confirmed there was a gas leak in the nearby area.
“Following further safety inspections and testing, it was concluded it was safe to reopen the line at 15:52.
“We would like to apologise to any passengers affected by today’s disruption.
"The safety of our passengers and colleagues is always our number one propriety so we’re grateful for people’s understanding and patience while we investigated this issue.”
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