06 January 2025 , 14:19
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This is the moment a train caught fire as it pulled into Gatwick Airport’s rail station, leading to a mass evacuation of all passengers.
Dramatic footage shows smoke pouring from under the carriage this afternoon.
The train was travelling between Brighton and London Victoria.
Firefighters have been called the scene.
The airport confirmed no services can call at the station after the fire alarm was raised.
Emergency services are dealing with the incident, with disruption expected to last until 3pm today.
Footage and photos show crowds of people packed into the station - while other clips show people rushing from the smoking train.
Heads up if you are heading to #gatwickairport the train I was on from Brighton to #londonvictoria just caught fire as it pulled in. So the station is currently closed. So far it seems everyone is fine and staff acted quickly to get everyone out #gatwick pic.twitter.com/ziyk9vJClt
— Clare McDonnell (@claremcdonnell1) January 6, 2025
BBC5 Live presenter Clare McDonnell said on X: "Heads up if you are heading to Gatwick Airport - the train I was on from Brighton to London Victoria just caught fire as it pulled in.
"So the station is currently closed. So far it seems everyone is fine and staff acted quickly to get everyone out."
She told PA: "Passengers on the platform ran away while smoke started coming into the carriage next to mine.
"Announcements were made to get off the train and off the platform.
"Things were calm at first but then staff started to raise their voices to get people to understand the urgency of the situation.
"As we were going up the stairs, staff were running down with fire extinguishers and telling people to get out of the way, but they were brilliant and people stayed calm.
"The fire, as you can see in the video, is under the train but I’m not sure at this stage if that’s where it started.
"The white flashes and bangs, I think there were around three of them, went up the side of the carriage but could have come from the top or the bottom of the train, I guess?
"The station is still closed."
NATIONAL RAIL
National Rail said in a statement: "No trains can call at Gatwick Airport until further notice.
"Please leave at least 30 minutes extra as you may have to use alternative providers to complete your journey."
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "Due to a fire alarm activation at the train station, passengers have been evacuated into the South Terminal.
"The station is closed while emergency services respond to the incident.
"Teams are responding to the situation and passengers are advised to check before travelling."
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: "We are currently responding to a small fire involving a passenger train at Gatwick railway station, South Terminal.
"Crews from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Gatwick Fire & Rescue Service are at the scene.
"All passengers are off the train and the railway station has been evacuated.
"The station is closed while firefighters respond to the incident."
A train caught fire at Gatwick Airport station today